Research Report Abstracts - Gesundheit

eS736
Research Report Poster Display
Number: RR-PO-211-11-Wed Wednesday 22 June 12:00
RAI: Exhibit Halls 2&3
EXERCISE AS A SUPPORTIVE THERAPY IN
INCURABLE CANCER: EXPLORING PATIENT
PREFERENCES
Maddocks M. 1 , Armstrong S. 2 , Wilcock A. 1
1University of Nottingham, Department of Palliative
Medicine, Nottingham, United Kingdom, 2National Institute
of Health Research, East Midlands Research Design Service,
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Purpose: Therapeutic exercise may benefit patients with
incurable cancer, but there is little data on its practicality. We
have explored the acceptability of six exercise programmes
based on different types of exercise. We have also identified
patients’ preferred delivery method, location and time
relative to anticancer treatments, and whether choices were
influenced by various patient characteristics.
Relevance: Pilot studies demonstrate that exercise may
improve physical fitness, psychological well-being and quality
of life in patients with incurable cancer. However, which
types of exercise to explore in this group requires careful consideration
as only about half of patients approached about an
exercise programme are willing and able to complete it.
Participants: 200 patients (103 female) with a histological
diagnosis of incurable cancer and an Eastern Cooperative
Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2 were recruited.
Participants had a mean (SD) age of 64 (9) years and the
majority were receiving palliative chemotherapy.
Methods: A questionnaire presented on a computer was used
to determine participants’ perceived capability and preparedness
to undertake six different exercise programmes, each
illustrated by looping video clips and accompanying text.
Participants then selected their most preferred programme
and method of delivery.
Analysis: Frequency counts and percentages with 95% confidence
intervals were calculated for responses to questionnaire
items; perceived physical capability and preparedness to
undertake each programme, most preferred programme,
delivery method, location and time. Multiple logistic regression
was used to examine associations between gender, age,
and performance status, and preparedness to undertake each
of the programmes.
Results: All participants considered themselves physically
capable of undertaking one or more of the exercise programmes
and two-thirds were prepared to undertake one at
that moment in time. The most preferred programmes were
based on neuromuscular electrical stimulation, walking and
resistance training exercise, selected by 36 [35–44]%, 22
[16–30]% and 19 [13–26]% respectively. The majority preferred
to undertake exercise at home, alone and unsupervised.
One-third were not prepared to undertake any type of exercise,
with a tendency for the least prepared to be older males
and those with a lower performance status.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that it is realistic to
develop exercise as a supportive therapy for patients with
incurable cancer, including those receiving chemotherapy.
On the basis of its popularity, neuromuscular electrical stimulation
appears worthy of further study.
Implications: This work can be used to inform further
research in this area. It may help make exercise a more
practical therapy by identifying which types of exercise the
majority of patients would find acceptable and how programmes
can best be delivered.
Keywords: Cancer; Exercise; Preferences
Funding acknowledgements: Dimbleby Cancer Care Trust.
Ethics approval: Nottingham Research Ethics Committee
1 (ref. 07/H0403/116).
Research Report Platform Presentation
Number: RR-PL-2631 Wednesday 22 June 14:45
RAI: E106-107
FACTORS INFLUENCING EXERCISE CAPACITY
IN PEOPLE WITH THORACIC CANCER
Maddocks M. 1 , England R. 2 , Manderson C. 2 , Wilcock A. 1
1University of Nottingham, Palliative Medicine, Nottingham,
United Kingdom, 2Nottingham University Hospitals NHS
Trust, Palliative Medicine, Nottingham, United Kingdom
Purpose: Patients with thoracic cancer often complain of a
reduced exercise capacity which can impede levels of physical
activity, independence and quality of life. It is often
assumed that this results from the cancer interfering with
normal ventilatory function. However, there has been little
formal study in this group and this assumption may or may
not be correct. We have explored how inspiratory muscle
strength, peripheral muscle power, resting spirometry and
patients’ feeling of mastery over their disease relate to performance
in a test of exercise capacity.
Relevance: Interventions should be offered to patients with
thoracic cancer to help maintain reasonable levels of physical
activity and independence for as long as possible. Appropriate
interventions will be informed by a greater understanding
of the factors influencing exercise capacity.
Participants: Forty-one patients (21 male, mean (SD) age
64 (8) years) with incurable thoracic cancer and an Eastern
Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2
took part. Six were taking regular inhaled bronchodilators
although only three had a documented diagnosis of COPD.
To date 33 patients have died with a median [IQR] survival
of 47 [29–77] weeks.
Methods: Inspiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle
power, lung function and mastery over breathlessness were
assessed at baseline using sniff nasal inspiratory pressure
(cmH2O), leg extensor power (W/kg), simple spirometry
and the mastery domain of the Chronic Respiratory Disease
Questionnaire (mCRDQ) respectively. Exercise capacity