Multimodal Exercise Program: A Pilot Randomized Trial for Patients With Lung Cancer Receiving Surgical Treatment

Background: Curative lung resection is the best option for patients with stage I–III lung cancer, and the best exercise intervention in these patients has not been determined.

Objectives: This pilot study explored whether a short-term pre- and postsurgery multimodal exercise program affected dyspnea, exercise capacity, inspiratory capacity, anxiety, and depression.

Methods: A total of 101 patients were randomly allocated into the combined intervention group (n = 34), the breathing exercise group (n = 32), or the control group (n = 35). During hospitalization, patients in the two intervention groups received one or more kinds of exercise intervention, and patients in the control group only received usual care. Outcomes were assessed at admission, on the day before surgery, and at discharge.

Findings: Both intervention groups achieved significant improvements in dyspnea, exercise capacity, and inspiratory capacity, and patients in the combined intervention group exhibited greater improvements in outcomes as compared to those randomized to the breathing exercise group.