Quist, M., Adamsen, L., Rorth, M., Laursen, J.H., Christensen, K.B., & Langer, S.W. (2015). The impact of a multidimensional exercise intervention on physical and functional capacity, anxiety, and depression in patients with advanced-stage lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 14, 341–349.
To determine the effects of a supervised group exercise intervention on aerobic capacity, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with advanced lung cancer
The intervention consisted of physical and relaxation training in groups of 10–12 patients provided twice weekly for six weeks. Exercises included cycling and strength training supervised by a physiotherapist. Study assessments were done at baseline and at six weeks.
Quasi-experimental
There were significant reductions in anxiety scores (ES 0.21, -0.9 change, p = 0.007). There was no effect on depression scores. Aerobic capacity, functional capacity, and muscle strength improved significantly.
The findings of this study suggest that group exercise sessions may benefit the managing anxiety and increase functional capacity among patients with advanced lung cancer. Changes were statistically significant; however, actual change scores were small. The clinical relevance of these changes is not clear.
The findings of this study suggest that group exercise sessions can improve function and might reduce anxiety among patients with advanced lung cancer. This type of approach may not be feasible or acceptable for patients with very poor baseline functional capabilities. Additional well-designed research in this area would be helpful, and studies should include attentional control conditions to differentiate the affects of group support versus other aspects of the intervention.