The Relationship between Exercise Capacity and Muscle Strength, Physical Activity, Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer Cachexia

Abstract

Background Exercise capacity is a significant determinant of mortality for cancer patients, so knowing the possible determinants of exercise capacity will produce physical and psychological benefits for individuals with cancer cachexia. Purpose To investigate the relationship between exercise capacity on peripheric and respiratory muscle strength, physical activity, fatigue and quality of life in subjects with cancer cachexia. Methods The study included 31 patients diagnosed with cancer cachexia. Functional capacity was assessed by 6-Minute Walk Test, hand grip strength and proximal muscle mass by hand dynamometer, respiratory muscle strength by the Maximum Expiratory Pressure and Maximum Inspiratory Pressure measurements, physical activity by International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, fatigue by Brief Fatigue Inventory, and quality of life by EORT-QLQ-C30. The relationship between functional capacity and continuous independent variables was determined using Spearman’s or Pearson’s tests. Results A strong positive correlation was observed between exercise capacity and expiratory muscle strength (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), activity level (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), and quality of life global health status (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). Conversely, a strong negative correlation was found between exercise capacity and fatigue severity (r = −0.64, p < 0.001). Conclusion Higher exercise capacity in cancer cachexia patients is linked to reduced fatigue, improved respiratory muscle strength, increased physical activity levels, and enhanced quality of life. When designing rehabilitation programs or exercise interventions for individuals with cancer cachexia, it is crucial to assess their exercise capacity and tailor the programs accordingly.