Selected Indices Of Physical And Psychological Health Of Lung Cancer Patients Scheduled For Surgery

Abstract

PURPOSE: Lung cancer surgery offers a curative option but can result in complications. Low physical fitness levels increase the risk of surgical complications. Measuring physical fitness can better risk stratify patients and hence improve patient care. This study aims to investigate cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, physical activity and quality of life in individuals scheduled for lung cancer surgery. METHODS: Recruitment occurred at the patient’s pre-surgical clinic visit. Patients performed a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to measure cardiorespiratory fitness, 30-second sit-to-stand test (30STS) to assess lower-limb strength and an upper-body grip strength test. The EuroQOL-EQ5D assessed quality of life on a scale from 0, worst health imaginable, to 100, best health imaginable. Step count was recorded by an ActivPAL micro 3 accelerometer (PAL Technologies, Glasgow, Scotland). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form assessed self-reported time spent sitting, walking and completing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). RESULTS: Twenty-two participants were recruited (54.5% male, mean 65 years). Average distance covered during a 6 MWT was 388.1 ± 75.0 m. Mean 30STS repetitions completed was 12.9 ± 2.9. Mean grip strength was 24.5 ± 9.2 kg. The mean EuroQOL-EQ5D score was 73.9 ± 12.9. Mean weekly step count was 45099.4 ± 19989.9 (n = 13). Participant’s reported sitting for an average of 6.1 ± 3.2 hours per day, 184.8 ± 131.2 minutes per week walking and 20.6 ± 41.6 minutes of MVPA per week. CONCLUSIONS: A 6 MWT <400 m is associated with an increased risk of complications within the first 30 days post-surgery. The mean 6 MWT distance in this study was 388.1 m. Research has reported similar pre-surgical 30STS results (12.6 ± 3.3) but higher grip strength (36.75 ± 10.15 kg) in lung cancer patients. This study found participants didn’t meet the the recommended exercise guidelines for cancer survivors. Therefore, interventions to support individuals with lung cancer to increase their activity are required to optimise patient care. This research is part of a larger randomised control trial which aims to identify the optimal peri-surgical exercise intervention and its effects on lung cancer patient’s physical, clinical and psychological health. Funded by the Irish Cancer Society.