Effects of Multimodal Exercise on Health-related Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma during Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The health-related physical fitness of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma can decrease significantly during radiotherapy, which can adversely affect their quality of life. AIM: This study was designed to evaluate the potential influence of a multimodal exercise program on the health-related physical fitness and quality of life of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiotherapy. METHODS: Forty patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from May to November 2019 were included. The participants in the control group (N=20) received routine nursing, while those in the intervention group (N=20) were also subjected to the multimodal exercise program during radiotherapy. RESULTS: The multimodal exercise program had a positive effect on participants. The step test index in the intervention group was significantly higher as compared to the control group (p < .05). The participants were subjected to 5 times slow speed (60°/s) and 10 times fast (180°/s) speed, and function of some extensor and flexor muscles of the elbow, shoulder, and knee joints in the intervention group was markedly improved (p < .05). In the intervention group, the grip strength of the right hand was observed to be significantly improved (p < .01). Furthermore, the upper limb scratch dorsal test of intervention group was significantly better than that of the control group (p < .05). The scores of physical, emotional, and social functions in the intervention group were found to be significantly higher as compared to the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The multimodal exercise program significantly improved the health-related physical fitness and life quality of the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiotherapy, though its long-term effects remain to be further analyzed.

Moderate physical activity of music aerobic exercise increases lymphocyte counts, specific subsets, and differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Moderate physical activity has been shown to promote immunity. Different moderate physical activities may have different effects on immunity. This study investigated the impacts of a 12-week regular music aerobic exercise (MAE) program on leukocyte distribution, lymphocyte subsets, and lymphocyte polarization. METHODS: The study used a case-control design with pretest and posttest. Forty-seven middle-age women were recruited for this study. Three participants dropped out, 22 completed the 12-week MAE program, and the other 22 participants who had heat-intolerance or limited schedule eligibility were enrolled as the control group without the MAE exercise. RESULTS: Results showed that the MAE exercise for 12 weeks didn't change red blood cells or total leukocytes but increased lymphocyte counts. The women in MAE group revealed significant increases (P ≤ 0.01) of CD3CD4, CD3CD8, and CD4CD25 cells, associated with Treg polarization showing enhanced FoxP3 but not T-bet, Gata-3, or RORγT expression (P < .01). The control group without exercise revealed insignificant change of lymphocyte subsets or lymphocyte polarization. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that MAE increases specific lymphocyte subsets and enhances Treg cell differentiation. It is suggested to encourage moderate physical activity of music aerobic exercise to enhance lymphocyte function of middle-aged women.