Physical Activity Levels Are Low in Inoperable Lung Cancer: Exploratory Analyses from a Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In inoperable lung cancer, evidence is limited regarding physical activity (PA) and associations with other outcomes.

AIMS: in the usual care (UC) group of an RCT to (1) explore whether baseline PA was associated with improved follow-up outcomes, (2) identify baseline variables associated with higher follow-up PA and in all RCT participants, to (3) analyse patterns of objectively measured PA, and (4) report on characteristics of those who were able to maintain or increase PA levels.

METHODS: exploratory analyses of an assessor-blinded RCT. Outcomes, assessed at baseline, nine weeks and six months, included PA (seven-days of accelerometry), six-minute walk distance (6MWD), muscle strength, symptoms, mood and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

RESULTS: 92 participants were randomised, 80 completed baseline accelerometry (39 intervention group (IG), 41 UC), characteristics: mean (SD) age 63.0 (12.3) years, 56% male, 51% stage IV disease. Baseline PA: median (IQR) steps/day 2859.6 (2034.0-3849.2) IG versus 3195.2 (2161.2-4839.0) UC. Associations between baseline PA and six-month outcomes were significant for HRQoL and 6MWD. PA at six months was significantly associated with baseline age, 6MWD and quadriceps strength. Between-group change score (steps/day) mean differences (95% CI) at nine weeks (174.5 (-1504.7 to 1853.7), p = 0.84) and six months (574.0 (-1162.3 to 2310.3), p = 0.52).

CONCLUSIONS: further research is required to determine patient subgroups deriving the greatest benefits from PA interventions.