Exercise improves physical function and mental health of brain cancer Survivors: two exploratory case studies
Levin, Gregory T., Greenwood, Kenneth M., Singh, Favil, Tsoi, Daphne, and Newton, Robert U. (2016) Exercise improves physical function and mental health of brain cancer Survivors: two exploratory case studies. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 15 (2). pp. 190-196.
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Abstract
Background: Malignant brain tumors are unpredictable and incurable, with 5-year survival rates less than 30%. The poor prognosis combined with intensive treatment necessitates the inclusion of complementary and supportive therapies that optimize quality of life and reduce treatment-related declines in health. Exercise therapy has been shown to be beneficial in other cancer populations, but no evidence is available for brain cancer survivors. Therefore, we report results from 2 preliminary cases.
Methods: Two female patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme and oligodendroglioma participated in a structured and supervised 12-week exercise program. The program consisted of two 1-hour resistance and aerobic exercise sessions per week and additional self-managed aerobic sessions. Outcome measures of strength, cardiovascular fitness, and several psychological indicators (depression, anxiety, and quality of life) were recorded at baseline, after 6 weeks and at the conclusion of the intervention.
Results: Exercise was well tolerated; both participants completed all 24 sessions and the home-based component with no adverse effects. Objective outcome measures displayed positive responses relating to reduced morbidity. Similar positive responses were found for psychological outcomes. Scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale showed clinically meaningful improvements in depression and total distress.
Conclusion: These findings provide initial evidence that, despite the difficulties associated with brain cancer treatment and survivorship, exercise may be safe and beneficial and should be considered in the overall management of patients with brain cancer.
| Item ID: | 40721 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 1552-695X |
| Keywords: | neuro-oncology, depression, anxiety, exercise oncology, comprehensive cancer care |
| Additional Information: | This is an open access article published under a CC-BY-NC 3.0 license. |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Oct 2015 03:35 |
| FoR Codes: | 32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis > 321104 Cancer therapy (excl. chemotherapy and radiation therapy) @ 20% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4207 Sports science and exercise > 420702 Exercise physiology @ 20% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5201 Applied and developmental psychology > 520107 Sport and exercise psychology @ 60% |
| SEO Codes: | 92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920102 Cancer and Related Disorders @ 50% 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 50% |
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