Physical Activity and Nutrition in Head and Neck Oncology: Developing a Patient-Oriented, Clinic-Supported Program
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is a debilitating disease associated with a variety of acute and chronic symptoms and treatment-related side effects. Effective rehabilitation programs are necessary to improve patient physical and psychosocial outcomes following diagnosis. In recent years, the role of physical activity in improving patient physical and psychosocial functioning following a cancer diagnosis has become apparent. With improved rates of survival, in particular within subgroups of head and neck cancer such as the human papilloma virus positive group, the role of physical activity is of interest
The purpose of the present research was to: 1) review existing head and neck cancer and physical activity literature; 2) evaluate the feasibility of a group-based resistance training pilot program in managing symptoms and side effects following diagnosis; 3) assesses differences in physical activity participation between human papilloma virus positive versus human papilloma virus negative head and neck cancer patients; 4) examine the physical and psychosocial impact of a 12-week physical activity and lifestyle intervention during and immediately following radiation therapy; 5) and summarize the key findings from these studies to provide updated conclusions regarding the role of physical activity for head and neck cancer survivors.
This work highlights the role of physical activity and a health behaviour change intervention in head and neck cancer patients from the point of diagnoses onwards. Although the randomized controlled trial conducted revealed no significant added benefit of a lifestyle intervention on lean body mass maintenance during radiation treatment, it is clear from the pilot work and reviewed literature that physical activity plays a valuable role in head and neck cancer survivorship. With low physical activity participation following diagnoses, especially among human papilloma virus negative head and neck cancer patients, targeted evidence-based clinic and community based programs designed to support patients with physical activity adoption and adherence are required. Ongoing work will be valuable in further clarifying the specific role of physical activity for these patients and how it can be tailored for maximized symptom and side effect management, ultimately improving head and neck cancer survivorship.
Description
Keywords
Oncology, Rehabilitation and Therapy, Psychology--Behavioral
Citation
Capozzi, L. C. (2015). Physical Activity and Nutrition in Head and Neck Oncology: Developing a Patient-Oriented, Clinic-Supported Program (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27344