Exercise Improves Physical Function and Mental Health of Brain Cancer Survivors: Two Exploratory Case Studies

G T Levin; Ken Greenwood; F Singh; D Tsoi; R U Newton

doi:10.1177/1534735415600068

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Exercise Improves Physical Function and Mental Health of Brain Cancer Survivors: Two Exploratory Case Studies

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Exercise Improves Physical Function and Mental Health of Brain Cancer Survivors: Two Exploratory Case Studies

G T Levin, Ken Greenwood, F Singh, D Tsoi and R U Newton

Integrative Cancer Therapies, Vol.15(2), pp.190-196

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735415600068

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Abstract

neuro-oncology

depression

anxiety

exercise oncology

comprehensive cancer care

Background. Malignant brain tumors are unpredictable and incurable, with 5-year survival rates less than 30%. The poor prognosis combined with intensive treatment necessitates the inclusion of complementary and supportive therapies that optimize quality of life and reduce treatment-related declines in health. Exercise therapy has been shown to be beneficial in other cancer populations, but no evidence is available for brain cancer survivors. Therefore, we report results from 2 preliminary cases. Methods. Two female patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme and oligodendroglioma participated in a structured and supervised 12-week exercise program. The program consisted of two 1-hour resistance and aerobic exercise sessions per week and additional self-managed aerobic sessions. Outcome measures of strength, cardiovascular fitness, and several psychological indicators (depression, anxiety, and quality of life) were recorded at baseline, after 6 weeks and at the conclusion of the intervention. Results. Exercise was well tolerated; both participants completed all 24 sessions and the home-based component with no adverse effects. Objective outcome measures displayed positive responses relating to reduced morbidity. Similar positive responses were found for psychological outcomes. Scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale showed clinically meaningful improvements in depression and total distress. Conclusion. These findings provide initial evidence that, despite the difficulties associated with brain cancer treatment and survivorship, exercise may be safe and beneficial and should be considered in the overall management of patients with brain cancer. © The Author(s) 2015.

Details

Title: Exercise Improves Physical Function and Mental Health of Brain Cancer Survivors: Two Exploratory Case Studies
Authors: G T Levin (Author) - University of Calgary, Canada
Ken Greenwood (Author) - Edith Cowan University
F Singh (Author) - Edith Cowan University
D Tsoi (Author) - St John of God Hospital, Australia
R U Newton (Author) - Edith Cowan University
Publication details: Integrative Cancer Therapies, Vol.15(2), pp.190-196
Publisher: Sage Publications Inc.
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1177/1534735415600068
ISSN: 1534-7354; 1534-7354
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451404802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Integrative & Complementary Medicine; Oncology

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