Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to report physical function and quality of life data collected from cancer patients who participated in a supervised exercise intervention at the UW WELL-FIT program over 5 years.
Methods
Five hundred seventy-five participants from 18 to 84 years of age (mean, 54 years) were assessed and enrolled in the 24-session program while currently receiving treatment for cancer. Twice weekly, they participated in aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching exercises for 1 h each time. Pre- and post-assessments were performed to document changes in physical function, while the short form-36 (SF-36) survey assessed changes in quality of life.
Results
Three hundred eighty-six participants completed the program, while 171 withdrew at some point over the 24 sessions. Pre- and post-cardiovascular assessments were performed on 305 (78.4%) participants. There was a significant increase in the maximum work rate attained and significant decreases in heart rate response, systolic blood pressure and rate of perceived exertion at the submaximal level (p < 0.01). The summary component scales of SF-36 (physical and mental) were significantly improved as well as all eight subscales (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
The data collected from this program indicate that a comprehensive physical activity program involving cardiovascular exercise, resistance training and flexibility can significantly improve physical function and various quality of life indices for individuals undergoing treatment for cancer.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution from the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at The University of Waterloo and the Certified Exercise Physiologists who have been involved in the program over the years. The authors declare they have no financial relationship with the organization that sponsored the research. Further, the authors have full control of all primary data and will allow Supportive Care in Cancer to review the data upon request.
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Noble, M., Russell, C., Kraemer, L. et al. UW WELL-FIT: the impact of supervised exercise programs on physical capacity and quality of life in individuals receiving treatment for cancer. Support Care Cancer 20, 865–873 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1175-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-011-1175-z