Study on the effect of exercise on head and neck cancer

Fatigue, reduced functionality and impaired quality of life are among the most common side effects of chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Head and neck tumors (HNT) affect more than half a million people worldwide and the treatment places a heavy burden on patients, often impairing speech, swallowing and breathing functions. As a result, many patients develop fatigue, depression and physical inactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitative exercise therapy on functional performance, quality of life, fatigue, hemoglobin and platelet levels in HNC patients undergoing CRT.

The randomized controlled trial from Kasturba Medical College was conducted with 148 patients with head and neck tumors undergoing CRT. Functional capacity was measured using the 6-minute walk test, quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 v2 questionnaire, fatigue using the NCCN scale (0-10), and hemoglobin and platelet levels. The control group received standard recommendations for physical activity, while the intervention group completed a structured training program with aerobic and active resistance exercises over a period of 11 weeks.

The training group showed significant improvements in functional capacity, quality of life and prevention of fatigue exacerbation. Blood parameters did not differ significantly between the control and training groups.

The results show that an 11-week structured exercise program for CRT patients undergoing CRT can improve their functional capacity and quality of life. It can also prevent a worsening of fatigue in the training group.