Safety and Feasibility of an Exercise Intervention for Patients Following Lung Resection A modified exercise protocol may promote continuance of exercise after the intervention in lung cancer patients—a pragmatic uncontrolled trial Preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation in patients undergoing lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer. Virtual Reality Bringing a New Reality to Postthoracotomy Lung Cancer Patients Via a Home-Based Exercise Intervention Targeting Fatigue While Undergoing Adjuvant Treatment Effects of a supervised exercise intervention on recovery from treatment regimens in breast cancer survivors. A rehabilitation program for lung cancer patients during postthoracotomy chemotherapy The effect of a multidimensional exercise intervention on physical capacity, well-being and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy Design of the Resistance and Endurance exercise After ChemoTherapy (REACT) study: A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise interventions after chemotherapy on physical fitness and fatigue Perioperative Rehabilitation in Operable Lung Cancer Patients (PROLUCA) Preoperative exercise training prevents functional decline after lung resection surgery: a randomized, single-blind controlled trial Effect of postoperative physical training on activity after curative surgery for non-small cell lung cancer: a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Effects of an early postoperative walking exercise programme on health status in lung cancer patients recovering from lung lobectomy. Exercise in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Short and long-term effects of supervised versus unsupervised exercise training on health-related quality of life and functional outcomes following lung cancer surgery - a randomized controlled trial. Home-based exercise: promising rehabilitation for symptom relief, improved functional status and quality of life for post-surgical lung cancer patients. Systematic review of exercise effects on health outcomes in women with breast cancer. Supervised physical exercise to improve the quality of life of cancer patients: the EFICANCER randomised controlled trial
Purpose . Following surgical lung resection , patients frequently suffer functional decline and reduced activity levels . Despite this exercise interventions are not routinely provided . This study aim ed to establish the safety and feasibility of exercise administered following lung resection in an Australian setting . Method . Pilot r and omized controlled trial . Fifteen individuals ( 53 % male ) , mean ± st and ard deviation age 65.5 ± 16.1 years , undergoing surgery for suspected lung cancer . R and omization occurred postoperatively . Control arm received protocol ized inpatient respiratory physiotherapy . Intervention arm additionally received twice daily exercise until discharge home and twice weekly as outpatient for 8 weeks . Outcome measures ( safety , feasibility , functional capacity , functional mobility , and health-related quality of life [ HRQoL ] ) were assessed preoperatively and 2 and 12 weeks postoperatively . Results . Fifteen participants ( lung cancer n = 10 ) were assigned to control ( n = 8) and intervention ( n = 7 ) groups . Inpatient exercise was delivered on 71 % of occasions ( 35 out of 49 planned sessions ) . Four participants attended outpatient exercise sessions and these participants attended sessions on 81 % of occasions ( 52 out of 64 planned sessions ) . No adverse events occurred . There was a significant between group difference in 6-Minute Walk Test ( 6MWT ; P = .024 ) . In both groups the 6MWT declined from baseline to 2 weeks postoperative and then improved up to 12 weeks ; improvements were greater in the intervention group . Intervention was associated with positive trends of improvement in some HRQoL domains . Conclusions . Exercise intervention performed in the inpatient and outpatient setting s for individuals following lung resection  was safe and feasible . The uptake rate for outpatient exercise was 57 % , similar to previous trials ; however , adherence was excellent within the subgroup of participants who attended . Further research is required to investigate the best setting of exercise delivery and explore ways to improve the uptake rate Purpose A previous study investigated the effects of a well-documented COPD exercise protocol in lung cancer patients . The study showed improvements in physical fitness , but poor adherence to continued exercise after intervention . The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a modified exercise intervention on post-intervention adherence , and physical fitness in a broad group of lung cancer patients . Methods Fifty-nine patients enrolled in a 9-week exercise program . Eligibility criteria were limited to presence of motivation , and absence of comorbidities that could jeopardize safety . The intervention included three times 3 weeks of exercise ( 3 weeks supervised , 3 weeks home-based and 3 weeks supervised ) . The patient ’s activities were structured by logbooks during the 3 weeks at home . VO2 max was estimated at baseline and at the end of intervention . Self-reported quality of life was recorded before and after the exercise program . Post-intervention exercise activity was assessed by telephone interviews 4 weeks after intervention . Results Fifty-one patients initiated the exercise intervention and 29 patients successfully completed the exercise program .  Full data were available for 25 patients regarding estimated VO2 max . Twenty-six of the 29 were available for follow-up with respect to continuance of physical activity . Among the 26 who completed the 9-week training program , 18 ( 69 % ) continued to be physically active on a daily basis . No change in estimated VO2 max was observed . A trend towards increased quality of life and better symptom control was noted . Conclusions The present study showed an increased level of continuance of physical activity compared to the previous study . The present study could , however , not repeat the significant improvements in estimated VO2 max from the previous study BACKGROUND The impact of short-term preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer is evaluated . METHODS A prospect i ve observational study was design ed . Inclusion criteria consisted of an indication to lung resection because of a clinical stage I or II non-small cell lung cancer and a chronic obstructive disease on preoperative pulmonary function test . In such conditions , maximal oxygen consumption by a cardio-pulmonary exercise test was evaluated ; when this result ed as being < or = 15 ml/kg/min a pulmonary rehabilitation programme lasting 4 weeks was considered . Twelve patients fulfilled inclusion criteria , completed the preoperative rehabilitation programme and underwent a new functional evaluation prior to surgery . The postoperative record of these patients was collected . RESULTS On completion of pulmonary rehabilitation , the resting pulmonary function test and diffuse lung capacity of patients was unchanged , whereas the exercise performance was found to have significantly improved ; the mean increase in maximal oxygen consumption proved to be at 2.8 ml/kg/min ( p<0.01 ) . Eleven patients underwent lobectomy ; no postoperative mortality was noted and mean hospital stay was 17 days . Postoperative pulmonary complication was recorded in 8 patients . CONCLUSIONS Short-term preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation could improve the exercise capacity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are c and i date s for lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer Background : Little is known about rehabilitation for postthoracotomy non – small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) patients . This research uses a perceived self-efficacy-enhancing light-intensity exercise intervention targeting a priority symptom , cancer-related fatigue ( CRF ) , for postthoracotomy NSCLC patients . This article reports on phase II of a 2-phase study . Phase I focused on initiation and tolerance of exercise during the 6 weeks immediately after thoracotomy , whereas phase II addressed maintenance of exercise for an additional 10 weeks including participants initiating and completing chemotherapy and /or radiation therapy . Objective : The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility , acceptability , and preliminary efficacy of an exercise intervention for postthoracotomy NSCLC patients to include those initiating and completing adjuvant therapy . Interventions / Methods : A single-arm design composed of 7 participants postthoracotomy for NSCLC performed light-intensity exercises using an efficacy-enhancing virtual-reality approach using the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus . Results : Despite most participants undergoing chemotherapy and /or radiation therapy , participants adhered to the intervention at a rate of 88 % with no adverse events while giving the intervention high acceptability scores on conclusion . Likewise , participants ’ CRF scores improved from initiation through the conclusion of the intervention with perceived self-efficacy for walking at a light intensity continuously for 60 minutes , improving significantly upon conclusion over presurgery values . Conclusions : Postthoracotomy NSCLC patients maintained exercise for an additional 10 weeks while undergoing adjuvant therapy showing rehabilitation potential because the exercise intervention was feasible , safe , well tolerated , and highly acceptable showing positive changes in CRF self-management . Implication s for Practice : A r and omized controlled trial is needed to further investigate these relationships PURPOSE / OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of supervised exercise training on cardiopulmonary function and fatigue in cancer survivors undergoing various clinical treatments . DESIGN Pretest and post-test quasiexperimental . SETTING Outpatient oncology rehabilitation center . SAMPLE 96 breast cancer survivors undergoing various clinical treatments . METHODS Subjects were divided into four groups based on the specific type of clinical treatment : surgery alone ( n = 22 ) ; surgery and chemotherapy ( n = 30 ) ; surgery and radiation ( n = 17 ) ; and surgery , chemotherapy , and radiation ( n = 27 ) . Following a comprehensive screening and medical examination , cardiovascular endurance , pulmonary function , and fatigue were assessed , leading to the development of an individualized exercise prescription and a six-month exercise intervention . Repeated- measures analysis of variance and covariance were used to compare the effectiveness of the intervention and differences among treatment groups . MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Systolic and diastolic blood pressure , resting heart rate , forced vital capacity , forced expiratory volume , predicted oxygen consumption , time on treadmill , and fatigue . FINDINGS Cardiopulmonary function ( predicted maximal oxygen consumption and time on treadmill ) significantly increased in all groups after exercise training . In addition , resting heart rate and forced vital capacity significantly improved in those receiving surgery , chemotherapy , and radiation . Psychologically , the exercise intervention result ed in significant reductions in behavioral , affective , sensory , cognitive and mood , and total fatigue scale scores in all three groups who received treatment with surgery . The breast cancer survivors in the surgery-alone group showed significant reductions in behavioral , affective , and total fatigue scale scores but not in sensory and cognitive and mood fatigue scale scores . CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that moderate intensity , individualized , prescriptive exercise maintains or improves cardiopulmonary function with concomitant reductions in fatigue regardless of treatment type . Moreover , cancer survivors receiving combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy following surgery appear to benefit to a greater extent as a result of an individualized exercise intervention . IMPLICATION S FOR NURSING Clinicians need to be aware of adjuvant therapies such as moderate exercise that attenuate negative side effects of cancer treatments . Symptom management recommendations should be given to cancer survivors concerning the effectiveness of exercise throughout the cancer continuum and the importance of participating in a cancer rehabilitation exercise program Objective The objective of this pilot study was to describe the effects of a 16-week home-based rehabilitative exercise program on cancer-related fatigue ( CRF ) , other symptoms , functional status , and quality of life ( QOL ) for patients with non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) after thoracotomy starting within days after hospital discharge and continuing through the initiation and completion of chemotherapy .  Material s and methods Five patients with NSCLC completed the Brief Fatigue Inventory ( measuring CRF severity ) and the MD And erson Symptom Inventory ( measuring symptom severity ) before and after thoractomy , and at the end of each week of the 16-week exercise program . Additionally , the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 ( measuring physical and mental functional status ) and the Quality of Life Index ( measuring QOL ) were completed before and after thoracotomy , after weeks 3 , 6 , 12 , and 16 ( the end of the exercise program ) . Further , the 6-minute walk test  ( measuring functional capacity ) was administered before thoracotomy , prior to the initiation of chemotherapy and /or radiation therapy , and at the end of the 16-week exercise program , after completion of chemotherapy . Results Participants had a mean age of 63 years and a mean of five comorbid conditions ; the exercise program was initiated within 4 days after hospital discharge . Participants ’ CRF severity scores were reduced to mild levels , while the mean number of symptoms decreased from 9 postthoracotomy to 6 after the exercise program , with mean levels of severity and interference decreasing to below prethoracotomy levels . Likewise , participants ’ functional status and QOL after completing the exercise program improved to near or above prethoracotomy levels . Conclusion The home-based , light-intensity exercise program for NSCLC patients receiving and completing adjuvant chemotherapy postthoracotomy showed promising trends in improving CRF severity , other symptom severity , functional status , and QOL . Further testing via a two-arm r and omized controlled trial is being conducted The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of a multidimensional exercise intervention focusing on physical capacity ; one-repetition maximum ( 1RM ) and maximum oxygen uptake ( VO2Max ) , activity level , general well-being and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy .  The intervention comprised resistance and fitness training , massage , relaxation and body-awareness training .  Eighty-two cancer patients , with or without evidence of residual disease , were included : 66 patients with 13 different types of solid tumours and 16 patients with 6 types of haematological malignancies . The patients trained in mixed groups for 9 h weekly for 6 weeks . Physical capacity , physical activity level and psychosocial well-being as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Question naire C30 were assessed pre- and post-intervention . Highly significant increases were achieved in muscular strength ( p<0.001 ) , physical fitness ( p<0.001 ) and physical activity levels ( p<0.001 ) . The patients reported significant reduction in treatment-related symptoms , i.e. , fatigue ( p=0.006 ) and pain ( p=0.03 ) . Highly significant improvements were observed in physical functioning ( p<0.001 ) and role functioning ( p<0.001 ) . Even patients with advanced disease were able to improve their results after 6 weeks . It is concluded that a multidimensional exercise intervention , including resistance training , may be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy . This study indicates significant clinical meaningful improvements . The exact role of the intervention has to be defined in a r and omized controlled design . A clinical ly controlled trial including 250 patients is currently being carried out Background Preliminary studies suggest that physical exercise interventions can improve physical fitness , fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients after completion of chemotherapy . Additional research is needed to rigorously test the effects of exercise programmes among cancer patients and to determine optimal training intensity accordingly . The present paper presents the design of a r and omized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a high intensity exercise programme compared to a low-to-moderate intensity exercise programme and a waiting list control group on physical fitness and fatigue as primary outcomes . Methods After baseline measurements , cancer patients who completed chemotherapy  are r and omly assigned to either a 12-week high intensity exercise programme or a low-to-moderate intensity exercise programme . Next , patients from both groups are r and omly assigned to immediate training or a waiting list ( i.e. waiting list control group ) . After 12 weeks , patients of the waiting list control group start with the exercise programme they have been allocated to . Both interventions consist of equal bouts of resistance and endurance interval exercises with the same frequency and duration , but differ in training intensity . Additionally , patients of both exercise programmes are counselled to improve compliance and achieve and maintain an active lifestyle , tailored to their individual preferences and capabilities . Measurements will be performed at baseline ( t = 0 ) , 12 weeks after r and omization ( t = 1 ) , and 64 weeks after r and omization ( t = 2 ) . The primary outcome measures are cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength assessed by means of objective performance indicators , and self-reported fatigue . Secondary outcome measures include health-related quality of life , self-reported physical activity , daily functioning , body composition , mood and sleep disturbances , and return to work . In addition , compliance and satisfaction with the interventions will be evaluated . Potential moderation by pre- and post-illness lifestyle , health and exercise-related attitudes , beliefs and motivation will also be assessed . Finally , the cost-effectiveness of both exercise interventions will be evaluated . Discussion This r and omized controlled trial will be a rigorous test of effects of exercise programmes for cancer patients after chemotherapy , aim ing to contribute to evidence -based practice in cancer rehabilitation programmes . Trial registration This study is registered at the Netherl and s Trial Register ( NTR2153 Introduction . Surgical resection in patients with non – small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) may be associated with significant morbidity , functional limitations , and decreased quality of life . Objectives . The safety and feasibility of a preoperative and early postoperative rehabilitation program in patients operated for NSCLC was determined in a nonhospital setting , with focus on high-intensity interval exercise . Methods . Forty patients with biopsy-proven NSCLC stages I to IIIa referred for surgical resection at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery RT , Rigshospitalet , University of Copenhagen , were r and omly assigned to 1 of 4 groups ( 3 intervention groups and 1 control group ) . The preoperative intervention consisted of a home-based exercise program , while the postoperative exercise program comprised a supervised group exercise program involving resistance and high-intensity interval cardiorespiratory exercise 2 hours weekly for 12 weeks combined with individual counseling . The study endpoints were inclusion rate , adherence , and number of adverse events . Results . Forty patients ( of 124 screened ; 32 % ) were included and r and omized into the 4 groups . The postoperative exercise was completed by 73 % of the patients r and omized to this intervention . No adverse events were observed , indicating that the early postoperative exercise program is safe . The preoperative home-based exercise program was not feasible due to interfering diagnostic procedures and fast-track surgery that left only 1 to 2 weeks between diagnosis and surgery . Conclusion . The early postoperative exercise program for patients with NSCLC was safe and feasible , but in a fast-track set up , a preoperative home-based exercise program was not feasible for this population Objectives : To investigate the effects of a preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation programme in patients with lung cancer undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery .  Design : R and omized , single-blind controlled trial . Setting : Teaching hospital . Subjects : Patients with suspected or confirmed lung cancer undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery .  Intervention : Participants were r and omized  to either a prehabilitation group or a control group .  Participants in the prehabilitation group underwent a combination of moderate endurance and resistance training plus breathing exercises three to five times per week . Main measures : The primary outcome of the study was exercise capacity . Secondary outcomes were muscle strength ( Senior Fitness Test ) , health-related quality of life ( Short-Form 36 ) and the postoperative outcomes . Patients were evaluated at baseline ( before r and omization ) , presurgery ( only the prehabilitation group ) , after surgery and three months post-operatively . Results : A total of 40 patients were r and omized and 22 finished the study ( 10 in the prehabilitation group and 12 in the control group ) . Three patients were lost to follow-up at three months . After the training , there was a statistically significant improvement in exercise tolerance ( + 397 seconds , p = 0.0001 ) , the physical summary component of the SF-36 ( + 4.4 points , p = 0.008 ) and muscle strength ( p < 0.01 ) . There were no significant differences between groups after surgery . However , three months postoperatively , significant differences were found in the mean change of exercise capacity ( p = 0.005 ) , physical summary component ( p = 0.001 ) and upper and lower body strength ( p = 0.045 and p = 0.002 ) . Conclusions : A pulmonary rehabilitation programme before video-assisted thoracic surgery seems to improve patients ’ preoperative condition and may prevent functional decline after surgery . Clinical Registration Number : NCT01963923 ( Registration date 10/10/2013 OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a combined hospital plus home exercise programme following curative surgery for non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) . DESIGN R and omised controlled trial . SETTING Teaching hospital . PARTICIPANTS One hundred and thirty-one subjects with NSCLC admitted for curative surgery . INTERVENTIONS Participants were r and omised to usual care or a hospital plus home exercise programme . OUTCOMES The primary outcome was the between-group difference in physical activity 4 weeks after surgery . Secondary outcomes were the difference in quadriceps strength , exercise tolerance and quality of life [ Short Form-36 ( SF-36 ) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer ( EORTC ) QLQ-LC13 ] from pre-operatively ( baseline ) to 4 weeks after surgery . RESULTS The participants ( n=131 ) had a mean age of 68 [ st and ard deviation ( SD ) 11 ] years and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second of 2.4 ( SD 1.1)l . There were no significant differences in physical activity between the groups 4 weeks after surgery [ mean difference adjusted for baseline 12minutes/day , 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) -20.2 to 44.1 ] . In addition , there were no significant differences in total SF-36 or EORTC QLQ-LC13 scores from baseline to 4 weeks after surgery . Both groups had recovered their pre-operative walking distance 4 weeks after surgery , and there were no differences between the groups ( mean difference in Incremental Shuttle Walk Test from baseline to 4 weeks after surgery ( -26 m , 95 % CI -94.2 to 42.3 ) . CONCLUSIONS A hospital plus home exercise programme showed little benefit in unselected patients with NSCLC following surgery . Regardless of group allocation , the patients had recovered their pre-operative exercise tolerance levels by 4 weeks after surgery AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of an early postoperative walking exercise programme on postlobectomy lung cancer patients . BACKGROUND Few interventional studies on the postoperative health status of lung cancer patients have considered the efficacy of programmes design ed to improve critical health variables . DESIGN A two-group quasi-experimental , longitudinal approach repeated four times examined participant data collected 12 - 18 hours prior to surgery and again at one , three and six months after surgery . METHODS We assigned the first 33 enrolled participants to the intervention group and the second 33 to the control group . The intervention was a daily supervised walking exercise programme consisting of 12 weeks of brisk walking exercise that began on the day following transfer to the regular ward along with weekly telephone calls until 12 weeks after discharge . Health status was measured using a structured question naire ( World Health Organization Quality of Life , brief version ) and clinical tests ( pulmonary function test and 6-minute walk test ) . We analysed data using general estimating equations , with p < 0·05 considered significant . RESULTS Intervention group pulmonary and physical functions were increasingly better over time than those of the control group , with no significant difference in quality of life between the two groups . Compared to the control group , the intervention group earned significantly better values for FVC% at postoperative month 3 and for FEV1 % at postoperative months 3 and 6 . Intervention group 6MWT scores were significantly better than those of the control group at postoperative months 1 , 3 and 6 . CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the benefits of an early postoperative walking exercise intervention for pulmonary and physical function in postlobectomy lung cancer patients . RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The results may guide the design of appropriate interventions in the future . Clinical trials in other population s are needed to confirm the results of this study PURPOSE This study aim ed to evaluate the safety , feasibility , and effects of an 8-wk combined resistance and endurance exercise program in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) during in- and outpatient care . METHODS In this intervention study , 40 patients with predominantly advanced NSCLC receiving simultaneous or sequential radiochemotherapy or chemotherapy alone were enrolled . For a period of 8 wk , patients were instructed to exercise at least five times per week during the inpatient setting and at least three times per week in the outpatient setting . Physical performance status ( endurance capacity : 6-min walk test ; strength capacity : h and held dynamometry ) , quality -of-life ( Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung ) , fatigue ( Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory ) , and depression ( Patient Health Question naire ) were assessed at baseline ( T0 ) , after the exercise intervention ( T1 ) , and at a follow-up time point 8 wk later ( T2 ) . The primary end point was adequate adherence ( feasibility ) defined as completing at least two training sessions per week during a minimum of 6 wk . RESULTS Of 40 patients , 31 ( 77.5 % ) completed the postexercise assessment ( T1 ) and 22 ( 55 % ) completed follow-up ( T2 ) . The stages were IIA ( 5 % ) , IIIA ( 8 % ) , IIIB ( 20 % ) , and IV ( 67 % ) , and the median age was 63 yr ( range = 22 - 75 yr ) . Overall , adherence was 82 % for those patients who completed T1 , and 55 % of the 40 participating patients fulfilled the adequate adherence criterion . Those who completed the intervention showed a significant improvement in the 6-min walk distance and in knee , elbow , and hip muscle strength after the intervention ( T1 ) . Quality of life , fatigue , and depression scores remained stable or declined slightly . Significant improvements in knee-muscle strength were also observed at T2 . CONCLUSIONS Exercise training is feasible in advanced and metastatic NSCLC patients during anticancer treatment . In this pilot study , endurance and strength capacity improved over time , indicating the rehabilitative importance of the applied intervention . To investigate the potential impact of exercise training in this patient group , a larger r and omized trial is warranted OBJECTIVE Surgical resection enhances long-term survival after lung cancer , but survivors face functional deficits and report on poor quality of life long time after surgery . This study evaluated short and long-term effects of supervised group exercise training on health-related quality of life and physical performance in patients , who were radically operated for lung cancer . METHODS A r and omized , assessor-blinded , controlled trial was performed on 78 patients undergoing lung cancer surgery . The intervention group ( IG , n=41 ) participated in supervised out-patient exercise training sessions , one hour once a week for ten weeks . The sessions were based on aerobic exercises with target intensity of 60 - 80 % of work capacity , resistance training and dyspnoea management . The control group ( CG , n=37 ) received one individual instruction in exercise training . Measurements consisted of : health-related quality of life ( SF36 ) , six minute walk test ( 6MWT ) and lung function ( spirometry ) , assessed three weeks after surgery and after four and twelve months . RESULTS Both groups were comparable at baseline on demographic characteristic and outcome values . We found a statistically significant effect after four months in the bodily pain domain of SF36 , with an estimated mean difference ( EMD ) of 15.3 ( 95 % CI:4 to 26.6 , p=0.01 ) and a trend in favour of the intervention for role physical functioning ( EMD 12.04 , 95 % CI : -1 to 25.1 , p=0.07 ) and physical component summary ( EMD 3.76 , 95 % CI:-0.1 to 7.6 , p=0.06 ) . At 12 months , the tendency was reversed , with the CG presenting overall slightly better measures . We found no effect of the intervention on 6MWT or lung volumes at any time-point . CONCLUSION Supervised compared to unsupervised exercise training result ed in no improvement in health-related quality of life , except for the bodily pain domain , four months after lung cancer surgery . No effects of the intervention were found for any outcome after one year BACKGROUND Post-thoracotomy non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) patients report cancer-related fatigue ( CRF ) as a severe symptom that may increase the occurrence and severity of other symptoms while decreasing functional status and quality of life ( QOL ) . The aim of this pilot study was to describe the effects of a home-based rehabilitative exercise intervention on CRF , other symptoms , functional status , and QOL for post-surgical NSCLC patients starting within days after hospital discharge . METHODS Seven post-thoracotomy NSCLC patients completed the  Brief Fatigue Inventory ( BFI ) measuring CRF severity , and the  M.D. And erson Symptom Inventory measuring symptom severity at pre- and post-surgery , and at the end of each week of the six-week intervention . Additionally , the Medical Outcomes Short-Form-36 measuring physical and mental functional status ; and the Quality of Life Index ( QLI ) measuring QOL were completed pre- and post-surgery , after week 3 , and at the end of the intervention ( week 6 ) . RESULTS Participants had a mean age of 65 years , a mean of 6 co-morbid conditions , and initiated the intervention within 4 days after hospital discharge . Participants ' CRF severity scores were reduced to mild levels while the mean number of symptoms decreased from 10.4 post-surgery to 7.0 at week 6 with lower levels of severity and interference . Likewise , participants ' post-intervention functional status and QOL improved to near or above pre-surgical levels . CONCLUSIONS The exercise intervention for post-surgical NSCLC patients showed promising preliminary efficacy in improving CRF , other symptom severity , functional status , and QOL . Further testing via a two-arm r and omized controlled trial is being conducted PURPOSE Exercise is commonly recommended to women after breast cancer surgery , yet it is difficult for patients and health professionals to adopt safe and beneficial types and modes of exercise . Thus studies on exercise interventions targeting women with breast cancer treatment were systematic ally review ed . METHODS The review process and quality assessment of the studies followed the guideline of the National Evidence -based Healthcare Collaborating Agency . Relevant studies were obtained from electronic data bases , and two trained review ers independently analyzed the studies . Of the 902 articles sorted , 11 were selected . Then , quality assessment for each study was carried out with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network ( SIGN ) checklist . RESULTS Seven different types of  exercise interventions were identified from 3 quasi-experimental and 8 r and omized controlled trial studies . The interventions varied in duration from several days to 13 weeks , and tended to show significant effects on psychological outcomes and upper body functions within a short-term period and were effective in alleviating lymphedema at a longer 1-year point . Supervised , professional intervention had significant effects on health indicators and a higher adherence rate . CONCLUSION Well- design ed exercises are effective and beneficial for improving women 's physical , physiological , and psychological health outcomes after breast cancer treatment as well as to facilitate changes in exercise behaviors . The feasibility of applying intervention protocol s , efficiency of interventions , and strengths of exercise protocol s should be further examined Background The optimal form of exercise for individuals with cancer has yet to be identified , but there is evidence that exercise improves their quality of life . The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and efficiency of an innovative physical exercise programme , for individuals undergoing chemotherapy for breast , gastrointestinal or non-small cell lung tumours , for improving quality of life , reducing level of fatigue , and enhancing functional capacity over time . Design / Methods We will conduct a clinical trial in 66 patients with stage IV breast , gastrointestinal or non-small cell lung cancer , recruited by the Department of Oncology of the referral hospital from 4 primary care health centres of the Basque Health Service ( Osakidetza ) . These patients will be r and omised to one of two groups . The treatment common to both groups will be the usual care for cancer : optimized usual drug therapies and strengthening of self-care ; in addition , patients in the intervention group will participate in a 2-month exercise programme , including both aerobic and strength exercises , supervised by nurses in their health centre . The principal outcome variable is health-related quality of life , measured blindly with the 30-item European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Question naire and Short Form-36 four times : at baseline , and 2 , 6 and 12 months later . The secondary outcome variables are fatigue ( Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue question naire ) , functional capacity ( 6-Minute Walk Test and cardiorespiratory test ) , muscle strength ( h and -held dynamometry and sit-to-st and test ) , radiological response to treatment ( Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors ) and progression-free and overall survival . Age , sex , diagnosis , chemotherapy regimen , Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and smoking status will be considered as predictive variables . Data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis , comparing changes at each time point between groups , adjusting for baseline values by analysis of covariance . Discussion As well as achieving the objectives set , this study will provide us with information on patient perception of the care received and an opportunity to develop a project based on collaborative action between the primary care and oncology professionals . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov Identifier : NCT01786122 Registration date : 02/05/2013
There was no difference between the effect of late- and early-initiated exercise intervention .
Exercise has a small-to-moderate effect at short-term follow-up on exercise capacity and the physical component of health-related quality of life in patients operated for lung cancer .
The long-term effects of exercise capacity are unknown .
Early-initiated exercise programmes ( 2 weeks post-operation ) did not show an effect on exercise capacity .
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence concerning the effects of  postoperative exercise interventions  on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life  following resection for non-small cell lung cancer , and to review whether different initiation times of exercise produce different effects on exercise capacity .