Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Effect of a Home-Based Exercise Program on Muscle Mass, Fatigue, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients
Camilla Wallmander1,2, Ingvar Bosaeus3,4, Ewa Silander1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Background:
Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) often experience deteriorated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and loss of body weight and muscle mass. The primary aim was to determine if a home-based exercise program, aiming to increase physical activity (PA), could reduce muscle mass loss and fatigue.
Methods:
Oral cancer patients were randomized to an exercise group (EG) or a control group (CG). The EG received a home-based exercise program, and both groups were followed for 1 year. The Frändin/Grimby activity scale, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and HRQoL questionnaires were used to assess PA, muscle mass, and fatigue.
Results:
In total, 119 patients were included. The EG increased their PA, but no differences in muscle mass were found between groups. A tendency toward less fatigue and better global QoL was observed in the EG.
Conclusion:
Future studies are needed to explore the possible benefits of PA in patients with HNC.
