Assessment of gait parameters and physical function in patients with advanced cancer participating in a 12-week exercise and nutrition programme: A controlled clinical trial

Schink K, Gaßner H, Reljic D, Herrmann HJ, Kemmler W, Schwappacher R, Meyer J, Eskofier B, Winkler J, Neurath M, Klucken J, Zopf Y (2019)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Article Number: e13199

DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13199

Abstract

Objective: Gait is a sensitive marker for functional declines commonly seen in patients treated for advanced cancer. We tested the effect of a combined exercise and nutrition programme on gait parameters of advanced-stage cancer patients using a novel wearable gait analysis system. Methods: Eighty patients were allocated to a control group with nutritional support or to an intervention group additionally receiving whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) training (2×/week). At baseline and after 12 weeks, physical function was assessed by a biosensor-based gait analysis during a six-minute walk test, a 30-s sit-to-stand test, a hand grip strength test, the Karnofsky Index and EORTC QLQ–C30 questionnaire. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and inflammation by blood analysis. Results: Final analysis included 41 patients (56.1% male; 60.0 ± 13.0 years). After 12 weeks, the WB-EMS group showed higher stride length, gait velocity (p <.05), six-minute walking distance (p <.01), bodyweight and skeletal muscle mass, and emotional functioning (p <.05) compared with controls. Correlations between changes in gait and in body composition, physical function and inflammation were detected. Conclusion: Whole-body electromyostimulation combined with nutrition may help to improve gait and functional status of cancer patients. Sensor-based mobile gait analysis objectively reflects patients’ physical status and could support treatment decisions.

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APA:

Schink, K., Gaßner, H., Reljic, D., Herrmann, H.J., Kemmler, W., Schwappacher, R.,... Zopf, Y. (2019). Assessment of gait parameters and physical function in patients with advanced cancer participating in a 12-week exercise and nutrition programme: A controlled clinical trial. European Journal of Cancer Care. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ecc.13199

MLA:

Schink, Kristin, et al. "Assessment of gait parameters and physical function in patients with advanced cancer participating in a 12-week exercise and nutrition programme: A controlled clinical trial." European Journal of Cancer Care (2019).

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