Physical function in patients
Physical function in patients with cancer-related weight loss:
a study of strength and balance over time and of what motivates us
to exercise.
Regular exercise is important in maintaining our physical
strength and independence. In earlier stages of cancer it can
improve daily functioning and quality of life. However it is in the
advanced stages of cancer that the ability to perform activities of
daily living, and remain independent is most threatened. Before
recommending exercise in more advanced illness, it is necessary to
have a better understanding of the degree to which
cancer-associated weight loss affects physical functioning. One way
to do this is to measure changes in muscle strength and balance
over time. In order to design effective interventions to address
loss of function, it is equally important to understand what would
motivate us to exercise in this situation and preferences for the
type of exercise. We can then design activities which are
relevant and likely to be undertaken in the real world of patients'
lives.
This study will measure strength in core muscle groups in 50
patients 3 times over an 8 week period. It will also investigate
motivations and preferences for physical activity and exercise in
200 patients using a questionnaire. All patients will have a
diagnosis of lung or gastrointestinal cancer. The results of the
study will inform future research where the benefits of exercise
can be assessed in a large study before becoming part of our
clinical care.
Investigators:
Dr Anthony Byrne, Scientific Lead for Palliative Care Research,
Wales Cancer Trials Unit, Cardiff University
Dr Robert van Deursen, Director of Research, Dept of
Physiotherapy, School of Healthcare Studies, Cardiff University
Dr Karianne Backx, Discipline Director Physiology and Health,
Cardiff School of Sport, University of Wales Institute Cardiff
Dr Annmarie Nelson, Marie Curie Senior Research Fellow, Wales
Cancer Trials Unit, Cardiff University
Dr David Wasley, Senior Lecturer, Cardiff School of Sport,
University of Wales Institute Cardiff
Dr Nichola Gale, Research Assistant, Dept of Physiotherapy,
School of Healthcare Studies, Cardiff University
Dr Stephanie Enright, Senior Lecturer, Dept of Physiotherapy,
School of Healthcare Studies, Cardiff University
Mr Gareth Griffiths, Scientific Director, Wales Cancer Trials
Unit, Cardiff University
Collaborators:
Dr Richard Adams, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
Dr Jason Lester, Consultant Clinical Oncologist
Dr Dianne Parry, Consultant Chest Physician
The study is a result of collaboration between the School of
Health Sciences, The Marie Curie Research Centre and Wales Cancer
Trials Unit at Cardiff University and the Cardiff School of Sport,
UWIC. This interdisciplinary research group emerged from the All
Wales Rehabilitation Research Network (Wales School of Primary Care
Research), and is allied to the Palliative Care Research Group of
NISCHR Cancer Registered Research Group and directly links with the
UK wide NCRI Palliative Care CSG.