In a nutshell
This study examined whether a home-based walking exercise program was effective in reducing anxiety, depression and cancer-related symptoms in lung cancer patients.
Some background
Approximately 34% of lung cancer patients experience anxiety and approximately 33% experience depression. Lung cancer patients also experience cancer-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, disturbances in sleep, shortness of breath and dry mouth. Walking exercise based at home is effective for treating anxiety, depression and symptoms related to cancers such as breast and colorectal, but studies are limited in lung cancer.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of walking exercise on anxiety, depression and symptoms related to cancer in patients with lung cancer. This study involved 116 patients. Half of the patients were assigned to a walking-exercise group and the other half to a usual-care group.
Participants took part in a 12-week exercise program which involved 40 minutes of moderately-intense walking each day for 3 days a week. The walking-exercise was performed at home. 26 patients in the exercise group completed the 12-week program and 36 completed at least 6 weeks. The scale of anxiety, depression and cancer-related symptoms were assessed 3 months and 6 months after beginning the program.
After completing the program, anxiety was lower in patients in the exercise group but higher in patients in the usual-care group. Depression was also lower in patients in the exercise group after the program and higher in the patients in the usual-care group. There was no significant reduction in cancer-related symptoms in the exercise group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that a home-based walking exercise program is effective in managing anxiety and depression in lung cancer patients.
The fine print
Only walking exercise of moderate intensity was examined. Walking exercise of a lower intensity may also be effective.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the possibility of developing a home-based walking exercise program as part of your lung cancer rehabilitation.
Published By :
British Journal of Cancer
Date :
Dec 09, 2014
