Adherence to Exercise in People with Lung or Head and Neck Cancer: Self-Reported Symptoms and Motivation During Cancer Treatment Need to Be Considered

Author(s):Show less -

Pedroso, Matheus ; Grigoletto, Isis ; Oliveira, Leticia ; Martins, Sarah ; Costa, Lara ; Pozo, Karina ; Borges, Paloma ; Regio, Livia ; Duarte, Isabela ; Cavalheri, Vinicius ; Ramos, Ercy

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE; v. 13, n. 20, p. 12-pg., 2024-10-01.

Abstract

Objectives: Symptoms and motivation may impact adherence to home-based exercise training programs (HETP) during cancer treatment (CT) for lung or head and neck cancer. This study aimed to identify self-reported symptoms and their frequency, as well as motivation towards an HETP during CT for primary lung or head and neck cancer. Associations between symptoms and motivation with HETP adherence were also investigated. Methods: Participants underwent CT combined with an HETP that included aerobic (walk-based) and resistance training (Theraband (R)). Weekly assessment was conducted using a questionnaire developed by the researchers, evaluating the presence of symptoms. A scale (0 to 10) was used to assess motivation towards the HETP. Adherence was defined as the ratio between HETP sessions completed vs. the number prescribed. Symptom frequency was recorded as the number of weeks a symptom was experienced. Linear regression was used to explore associations. Results: Twenty-four participants were included (61 +/- 7 yr; 21 males; head and neck cancer n = 18; median treatment duration: 9 [7 to 11] weeks). The most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue (33%), malaise (24%) and dysphagia (23%). Average score for motivation to exercise was 6.4 +/- 2.0. Adherence to the HETP was 47%. Malaise was associated with reduced adherence to HETP (p = 0.002), explaining 35% of the variance. Motivation was associated with increased adherence (p = 0.008), explaining 28% of the variance. Conclusions: Fatigue, malaise and dysphagia were among the most frequently reported symptoms during treatment. Malaise and self-motivation to exercise can significantly influence adherence to HETPs. Symptom and motivational support might be necessary when implementing HETPs during CT. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/07495-7 - Symptoms referred by patients diagnosed with lung, head or neck cancer and their relations with home-based physical training
• Grantee: Matheus André Pedroso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 21/04233-6 - Oncological treatment on physical training in patients with lung, head and neck Cancer: signs and symptoms influence
• Grantee: Matheus André Pedroso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 21/06065-3 - Effects of a home-based semi-supervised physical training as a complementary treatment to oncological treatment in primary lung or head and/or neck cancer patients
• Grantee: Ercy Mara Cipulo Ramos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/16004-1 - Effects of a semi-supervised home-based exercise training on physical performance, biological and mental outcomes on primary lung cancer patients: a randomized clinical trial
• Grantee: Isis Grigoletto Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 22/04801-7 - Effects of different interventions in people with lung, head, and neck cancer and people after bone marrow transplant and an analysis of prognostic significance of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in lung cancer
• Grantee: Isis Grigoletto Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate