Progressive Resistance Training Program in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Herlev Hospital

Status: Completed

Conditions: Head and Neck Cancer

Treatments: Behavioral: Progressive resistance training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02068950

HH1401

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a 12-week progressive resistance training (PRT) during concurrent chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients compared to usual care.

Full description

12 patients with head and neck cancer will be recruited to this trial. Entering a 12-week PRT program which will start one week before radiotherapy. The tested training program is a 12-week, supervised, group based, progressive resistance training program involving the major muscle groups of the body. The program has previously been found to successfully restore the loss of lean body mass (LBM) in head and neck cancer patients post-treatment. A group based approach will be used to facilitate a social and motivating training environment for the patients. This approach has previously been used for exercise interventions for lung cancer patients at our facility, and was highly appreciated by the patients.

In addition to baseline data (height, tumor stage, performance status, etc), the following parameters will be registered on a weekly basis: Weight, patient reported side effects, as well as a questionnaire on amount of physical activity and food intake.

Physical function and strength will be tested at baseline, after the course of chemoradiotherapy and at the end of the 12-week PRT programme, and at 2, 5, 9 and 13 months follow-up. At similar time points dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans for body composition will be performed using a Lunar iDXA (GE Healthcare).

Blood samples will be drawn at baseline, an additional three times during the first 6 weeks and then weekly in relation to training sessions, and at 2, 5, 9 and 13 months follow-up.

Patient reported quality of life (EORTC Quality of Life Questionaire (QLQ)-C30 and QLQ-H&N35) will be registered at baseline, after 12-weeks PRT and during 5 and 13 months follow-up.

Study duration is expected to be 7 months for the pilot-trial, with a follow-up of additional 13 months after the last patient has completed the intervention.

Enrollment: 12 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
• Candidates for concomitant chemoradiotherapy according to Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA) guidelines.
• Performance status 0-1
• Expected to be able to complete the intervention, i.e. no major comorbidities or social issues that could compromise attendance.
• At least 18 years of age.

Trial design

12 participants in 1 patient group

Progressive resistance training

Other group

Description:

12 weeks, 3 sessions per week, 7 exercises (leg press, leg curl, hamstring curl, chest press, lateral pull down, sit-ups and back extensions). In general 2-3 sets of 8-15 repetitions will be performed following a progression plan starting with more repetitions at lower intensity progressing to fewer repetitions at higher intensity during the 12-week period (American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand).

Treatment:

Behavioral: Progressive resistance training