Physical Exercise for Patients Who Suffer From Weight Loss Due to Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Medical Treatment
Physical Exercise for Patients Who Suffer From Weight Loss Due to Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Medical Treatment
Cancer cachexia is a prevalent symptom of head and neck neoplasms. The reduction in skeletal
 muscle mass is one of the main characteristics which can lead to poor physical functioning.
 The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of progressive resistance training
 in cachectic head and neck cancer patients during radiotherapy in a pilot randomized
 controlled design.

 Baseline data for all participants were ascertained via medical records and patient
 interview. This included demographic information, Union internationale contre le
 cancer-status (UICC-status), comorbidities and the results of blood samples. Outcomes were
 measured at admission. One study coordinator completed all assessments to enhance patient
 compliance. Body weight loss percentage was calculated via the individuals' body weight 6
 months before (in retrospect) and the current body weight. Participants completed two
 questionnaires: The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and the Functional Assessment of
 Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy questionnaire. Six-Minute Walk Test was applied. To document
 changes in muscle force, strength of the functional muscle group for elbow flexion in supine
 position as well as of knee extension in sitting position (in each case right and left) was
 tested via hand-held dynamometry for isometric maximal muscle strength. Bioelectrical
 impedance analysis was executed to assess the adaption in body composition.

 The exercise intervention was undertaken in the hospitals department of physical and
 rehabilitation medicine and based on standardized but individualized training protocols. It
 consisted of a warm up period for 5 minutes on a bicycle ergometer or an upper body cycle
 with individual selectable wattage. A leg press, a latissimus pull-down and a chest press
 formed the three equipment supported core exercises. All exercises were performed with 8-12
 repetitions and 3 sets.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  planned inpatient or outpatient radiotherapy

 -  ≥ 18 years of age

 -  diagnosed state of cachexia (weight loss greater than 5 % over the past 6 months) or
 pre-cachexia (unintentional weight loss of 5 % or less of usual body weight during the
 last 6 months)

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  metastatic disease

 -  severe neurological problems or other contraindications for resistance training