Are Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Associated With Cancer-Related Symptoms in Real Time?: A Daily Diary...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Lifestyle Medicine
• Symptom Management

Background:

• Limited research exists on the real-time relationship between lifestyle behaviors and cancer treatment symptoms.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving patient care during treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between daily physical activity, sedentary behavior, and symptom burden, pain interference, and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing treatment.
• To explore how factors like body mass index and age influence these relationships.

Main Methods:

• A 10-day daily diary study was conducted with 22 cancer patients (mean age 57, 73% women, 55% Black).
• Data collected included physical activity, sedentary behavior, symptom burden, pain interference, and fatigue.
• Adjusted mixed-effects models were employed to analyze the associations.

Main Results:

• Higher physical activity was associated with lower symptom burden and fatigue in patients with lower body mass index.
• Increased sedentary behavior was linked to lower symptom burden among younger patients.
• Body mass index and age were identified as moderators in these relationships.

Conclusions:

• Treatment-related symptoms fluctuate daily in cancer patients.
• Physical activity may help alleviate symptoms for leaner patients, while sedentary behavior might be associated with lower symptom burden in younger individuals.
• Larger studies with objective measures are recommended for validation.