Low physical activity in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer

This pilot study aimed to describe physical activity (PA) and self-perceived function, health and quality of life (QoL) prior to oncological treatment in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

In a prospective study including 49 patients, self-perceived PA (Saltin-Grimby scale) and health-related QoL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire Core 30 and EQ-5D) were assessed. Further, PA was also measured by an accelerometer attached to the thigh for eight consecutive days. The accelerometer PA was compared to the PA of a reference population assessed with the same method. Results presented are from data collected before start of oncological treatment.

The patients (44-79 years, 65% males) spent most of their time in sedentary behavior: a median of 555 minutes/day in bed (39% of total) and 606 minutes/day sitting (41%). Only 129 minutes/day were spent moving/walking. Patients with higher education, reduced physical function and higher fatigue were less physically active (P ≤ .01). Further, the different PA measures demonstrated a pattern of being less physically active compared to the reference population.

Patients diagnosed for HNC may have low PA level. Assessment of PA from accelerometer data may be an important component of oncological treatment to identify patients in need for PA intervention that may enhance treatment outcome.