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Impact of Chemotherapy on Motor-Cognitive Dual-Task Performance in Strength and Mobility Tests
Almudena Martínez-Sánchez1,2, Candela Guerrero-Torrico1, Francisco Javier Dominguez-Muñoz1,2
1Departamento de Didáctica de la Expresión Musical, Plástica y Corporal, Facultad de Ciencias del Deporte, Grupo de Investigación en Actividad Física, Calidad de Vida y Salud (AFYCAV), Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Dual-task testing reveals significant physical and cognitive impairments in cancer patients undergoing or post-chemotherapy. This highlights the need for integrated motor-cognitive rehabilitation strategies to address these deficits.
Area of Science:
- Integrative oncology
- Neurorehabilitation
- Geriatric medicine
Background:
- Chemotherapy can cause lasting physical and cognitive deficits.
- The dual-task paradigm is sensitive to deficits but underutilized in oncology.
- Functional strength assessment under dual-task conditions in cancer is largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate functional strength and mobility in cancer patients using dual-task testing.
- To assess the impact of chemotherapy on motor-cognitive integration.
- To explore the utility of the dual-task paradigm in detecting cancer-related impairments.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with 44 participants (cancer patients and healthy controls).
- Functional fitness assessed using the Senior Fitness Test under single- and dual-task conditions.
- Dual-task condition included a cognitive subtraction task; dual-task cost was calculated.
Main Results:
- Cancer patients showed significant declines in strength and mobility from single- to dual-task.
- Reduced performance observed in Chair Stand Test and Timed Up and Go tests.
- Greater dual-task costs noted in the Arm Curl Test for cognitive and success outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Dual-task testing identified greater impairments in cancer patients and survivors.
- Findings support the impact of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment on motor function.
- Highlights the need for integrated motor-cognitive rehabilitation strategies in oncology care.
