Physical Fitness and Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Int J Sports Med DOI: 10.1055/a-1342-7347Colorectal cancer is now a frequently treatable illness for most and a
chronic disease for many. The number of people living with a diagnosis of
colorectal cancer is thus expected to rise. Yet even after successful
treatment, colorectal cancer survivors, mostly the elderly, frequently
experience health problems and impaired health-related quality of life. We
investigated the cross-sectional association between physical fitness,
measured with the 6-min walk test, 30-second chair-stand test, and isometric
handgrip strength, as well as health-related quality of life, in a cohort of
colorectal cancer patients (n=71, mean [SD] age 67±10 years,
63% men; 35, 39 and 25% in stages I, II and III,
respectively). Greater performance in the 6-minute walk test and 30-second
chair-stand test was associated with higher levels of global health status
(p<0.001, p=0.001 respectively), higher functioning
(p<0.001) and lower levels of symptomatology (p<0.001; pain
and fatigue). Additionally, greater 6-min walk test performance was
associated with a better cognitive function (p=0.005). Our results
suggest that greater aerobic fitness and lower-extremity muscle strength are
cross-sectionally associated with higher levels of global health status,
higher functioning and lower levels of symptomatology such as pain and
fatigue in colorectal cancer patients. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, GermanyArticle in Thieme eJour...
Source: International Journal of Sports Medicine - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Soares-Miranda, Luisa Lucia, Alejandro Silva, Marco Peixoto, Armando Ramalho, Rosa da Silva, Pedro Correia Mota, Jorge Macedo, Guilherme Abreu, Sandra Tags: Clinical Sciences Source Type: research