The association of physical function and quality of life on physical activity for non-small cell lung cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to assess the association between physical function and quality of life (QOL) with physical activity among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors. METHODS: Participants were 92 NSCLC survivors. Physical activity was assessed by a self-report with physiatrist's interview and the Korean version of the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). All participants were required to perform three standardized fitness tests. The Korean version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to assess QOL. Factors associated with physical functioning and QOL were determined using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: A significant correlation between metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/wk) and aerobic fitness was found (r = 0.277, p = 0.008). Factors associated with aerobic fitness include gender, age, and MET-min/wk. The meeting physical activity guideline group was also a factor associated with aerobic fitness. In the QOL aspect, a significant correlation between MET-min/wk and some QOL score was found. The meeting physical activity guideline group was a factor associated with QOL (global health status, physical function, and role function), not total MET-min/wk. CONCLUSIONS: Increased physical activity was associated with higher aerobic fitness and QOL. Engagement in physical activity that met physical activity guidelines was a factor related to aerobic fitness and better QOL in some domains. To improve aspects of aerobic fitness and QOL, we may consider the pattern of physical activity, including regular participation and intensity, rather than total physical activity including basal activity.

Association between awareness of nutrition labeling and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration in cancer survivors and the general population: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010-2016.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition labeling has been found to affect the amount and type of food intake, with certain groups in the population, such as cancer survivors, being more aware of this information. A higher awareness of nutrition labeling is inversely related to the risk of dyslipidemia. This study therefore assessed the association between awareness of nutrition labeling and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration among cancer survivors in South Korea and in the general population of subjects without a history of cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis evaluated 25,156 adults who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) from 2010 to 2016. Factors influencing the association between awareness of nutrition labeling and HDL-C concentration in cancer survivors and the general population were determined by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 25,156 participants, 2.88% were cancer survivors and 97.12% had no history of cancer. HDL-C concentrations were higher in subjects who were aware of nutrition labeling than in subjects who were not. Checking or using nutrition labeling had a greater effect on the management of HDL-C concentration for cancer survivors than for the general population. CONCLUSION: Awareness of nutrition labeling was associated with better outcomes, including higher controlled HDL-C levels, and reductions in factors increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and cancer, especially in cancer survivors. Health policymakers or medical professionals should develop programs to promote the use of nutrition labeling among cancer survivors in South Korea.

Functional loss in daily activity in ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Cancer survivors frequently experience cancer or treatment-related symptoms and functional morbidities that can be addressed through rehabilitation services, but these symptoms often go unnoticed and seldom managed. This study seeks to investigate the undetected patient symptoms and functional loss related to the activities of daily living (ADLs) in ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy and to identify the influence of chemotherapy on such loss. METHODS: Ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were identified from June to August 2016, who were treated at the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of two tertiary hospitals. The questionnaires on the present cancer and treatment-related symptoms, patient recognition of rehabilitation needs, and the Katz index score were collected. RESULTS: Records of total 168 ovarian cancer patients were selected and reviewed. The majority of patients (93.5%) experienced at least one symptom, with paresthesia (76.2%), fatigue (63.1%), pain, muscle weakness, memory and concentration dysfunction, lymphedema, breathing discomfort, dysphagia, and speech difficulty being the primary complaints in descending order. About 20% of ovarian cancer patients under chemotherapy had functional dependence in ADLs. The most affected ADL functions were continence, bathing, transfer, and dressing in descending order. Fatigue symptom and the functional dependence showed a significant correlation in proportion to the total number of chemotherapy cycles. CONCLUSIONS: There are undetected symptoms and functional loss in ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy, which aggravated in relation to the increase in accumulated chemotherapy. Timely and appropriate rehabilitative intervention may help minimize these symptoms and functional loss, and further contribute to the improved quality of life.

Patient Satisfaction with Mobile Health (mHealth) Application for Exercise Intervention in Breast Cancer Survivors.

This study aimed to assess user satisfaction with mobile health (mHealth) application in breast cancer survivors after a 12-week exercise program and provide developers with reference points for mHealth applications from the perspective of patients and physicians. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected multicenter data of 88 breast cancer survivors who carried out a 12-week exercise program via smartphone application with pedometer. Personalized programs including aerobic and resistance exercise were prescribed by physiatrists. Also, telephone counseling was performed at the 3rd and 9th week. All patients completed the user satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the intervention. The mean achievement rates of aerobic and resistance exercise for 12 weeks were 78.8 and 71.3%, respectively. The mean score of overall satisfaction rated on the 5-point Likert scale was 4.22 ± 0.73. When the patients were grouped according to age, the overall satisfaction score increased significantly with age (P = 0.040). Also, the satisfaction scores of patients with radiotherapy were significantly higher than patients without radiotherapy (P = 0.001). In terms of system characteristics, the most satisfying was data transmission accuracy (4.32 ± 0.74). In addition, patients were very satisfied with telephone counseling (4.55 ± 0.62). The results suggest the direction of mHealth should go to meet the detailed requirements of the specific user group as a more targeted approach. In addition, if a mutual feedback platform can be implanted in mHealth applications, it will increase user loyalty and make mHealth a more available motivational technology in our lives.

Effects of exercise intervention in breast cancer patients: is mobile health (mHealth) with pedometer more effective than conventional program using brochure?

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the effects of mobile health (mHealth) and pedometer with conventional exercise program using a brochure on physical function and quality of life (QOL). METHODS: The study was a prospective, quasi-randomized multicenter trial where 356 patients whose cancer treatment had been terminated were enrolled. All patients were instructed to perform a 12-week regimen of aerobic and resistance exercise. The mHealth group received a pedometer and a newly developed smartphone application to provide information and monitor the prescribed exercises. Those in the conventional group received an exercise brochure. Physical measurements were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Self-reported physical activity (international physical activity questionnaire-short form), general QOL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30), and breast cancer-specific QOL (Quality of Life Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module 23) were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. A user satisfaction survey was assessed in the mHealth group. RESULTS: Basic characteristics were not different between the two groups except for age and previous radiotherapy. Physical function, physical activity, and QOL scores were significantly improved regardless of the intervention method, and changes were not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, the mean Likert scale response for overall satisfaction with the service was 4.27/5 in the mHealth group. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, both the mHealth coupled with pedometer and conventional exercise education using a brochure were effective in improving physical function, physical activity, and QOL. This study provides a basis of mHealth research in breast cancer patients for progressing further developing field, although superiority of the mHealth over the conventional program was not definitely evident.

Toxicity Evaluation of Dose-Escalation in Hypofractionated Regional Nodal Irradiation for Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: Regional nodal irradiation (RNI) to the axilla and supraclavicular area presents distinct toxicities, such as lymphedema and shoulder stiffness, compared with whole-breast irradiation. There is insufficient evidence on the safety of dose-escalation in hypofractionated RNI. We aimed to evaluate and compare toxicity rates in patients with breast cancer who received hypofractionated RNI with and without dose-escalation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We retrospectively analyzed 381 patients with breast cancer treated with hypofractionated RNI between March 2015 and February 2017. Patients received either the standard-dose to the regional nodal area (43.2 Gy/16 fx; 48.7 Gy3.5 equivalent dose [EQD2], 2 Gy equivalent dose with α/ß= 3.5 Gy) or dose-escalation with a median dose of 54.8 Gy3.5 EQD2 (range, 51.7-60.9 Gy3.5 EQD2), depending on clinical and pathologic nodal stage. Toxicity rates of lymphedema and shoulder stiffness were assessed, and statistical analyses were conducted to identify associated factors. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 32.3 months (5.7-47.0 months). After radiation therapy, 71 (18.6%) patients developed lymphedema, and 48 (12.6%) developed shoulder stiffness. Patients who received dose-escalation exhibited significantly higher rates of lymphedema (32.1% vs 14.8%; odds ratio, 2.72, P = .0004) and shoulder stiffness (23.8% vs 9.4%; odds ratio, 2.01, P = .0205) compared with the standard-dose group. Moreover, dose-escalation showed a tendency to increase the severity of lymphedema and shoulder stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received dose-escalation in hypofractionated RNI face a higher risk of developing lymphedema and shoulder stiffness compared with those who received standard-dose hypofractionated RNI. Therefore, it is crucial to implement close and frequent monitoring for early detection, along with timely rehabilitation interventions for these patients.

Reliability and validity testing of the Korean translation of lymphedema quality of life questionnaire (LYMQOL) for lower limb lymphedema.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-leg into Korean (K-LYMQOL-leg) and test its reliability and validity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The LYMQOL-leg was translated forward and backward from English to Korean. Fifty-five patients with lower limb lymphedema completed the K-LYMQOL-leg and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30) at the first visit, and the K-LYMQOL-leg was re-administered within a week. Reliability was tested by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Cronbach's alpha for each domain. Face validity was evaluated, and concurrent validity was verified by comparing the K-LYMQOL-leg domain scores with the corresponding EORTC-QLQ-C30 and limb volume scales. The known-group construct validity was then assessed. RESULTS: Excellent reliability was confirmed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient, 0.851-0.878) and test-retest reliability (ICC, 0.901-0.936) in the four domains. A significant correlation was confirmed in the appearance domain with limb volume (r = 0.424) and in the other domains [function, symptom, and mood], with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 scales (r = -0.779, 0.712, and -0.783). Known-group validity was confirmed in all four domains. CONCLUSIONS: The K-LYMQOL-leg verified in this study can be used in clinical practice to evaluate the Quality of Life (QOL) of patients with lymphedema or in research as an outcome.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAmong cancer treatment-related complications, lymphedema of the lower extremities severely and persistently reduces the health-related quality of life of cancer survivors.The Korean version of the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-leg (K-LYMQOL-leg) is an easy, reliable and valid questionnaire for patients with lower limb lymphedema.K-LYMQOL-leg will be useful in assessing the quality of life of patients with lower limb lymphedema in a clinical setting or for research purposes.

Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Patients.

Background: This study aimed to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Lymphedema Quality of Life (LYMQOL) questionnaire. Methods and Results: This study was a multicentered cross-sectional survey of patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. The LYMQOL-arm questionnaire was translated from English to Korean. This 28-item instrument contains the overall quality of life (QOL) and is categorized into four domains: function, appearance, symptoms, and mood. In addition, the demographics and characteristics of lymphedema were assessed by reviewing the medical records. The LYMQOL-arm, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Breast Cancer Module 23 (EORTC QLQ-BR23) were administered. The internal consistency of the LYMQOL-arm was analyzed using Cronbach's α, and test-retest reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson's correlation test between the LYMQOL-arm and the EORTC QLQ instruments. A total of 62 participants were enrolled in the study. All domains of the LYMQOL-arm showed high internal consistency, and the ICC of each domain and overall QOL ranged from 0.836 to 0.956 (p < 0.001). All domains and overall QOL scores of the LYMQOL-arm significantly correlated with most of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 scales. Furthermore, it revealed a significant association with the degree of perceived edema. Conclusions: The Korean version of the LYMQOL-arm questionnaire has proven its reliability and validity in assessing QOL in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Evaluation of a Smart After-Care Program for Patients with Lung Cancer: A Prospective, Single-Arm Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of telemedicine among cancer survivors is uncertain. The Smart After-Care Program (SAP), which is an interactive, smartphone-based remote health monitoring system, was developed to help patients manage their health after leaving the hospital. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of our remote health care program for lung cancer patients. METHODS: We enrolled 50 patients with lung cancer. Self-monitoring devices were supplied to all patients, who were instructed to enter their daily vital signs and subjective symptoms to the Smart After-Care app. The app also provided information about rehabilitation exercises and a healthy diet for lung cancer patients. All patients received health counseling via telephone once a week and visited an outpatient clinic during weeks 6 and 12 to assess satisfaction with the SAP and changes in quality of life and physical performance. RESULTS: Overall satisfaction with the SAP was very high (very good, 61.9%; good, 26.2%). In the multivariate analysis to identify factors affecting satisfaction, the distance between the patient's residence and the hospital was the only significant independent factor (p=0.013). Quality of life improved along all functional scales (p<0.05). Muscle strength significantly improved in the lower limbs (p=0.012). Two-minute walk distance also significantly improved (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the SAP was acceptable for and supportive of patients with reduced pulmonary function after lung cancer treatment. The SAP was found to be particularly useful for patients living far from the hospital.

Internet of things-based lifestyle intervention for prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy: a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has several adverse effects including loss of libido, osteoporosis, and metabolic complications. We aim to examine whether the Smart After-Care (SAC) service, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based lifestyle intervention, affects clinical outcomes in prostate cancer (PCa) patients on ADT. A prospective, multicenter, randomized trial including 172 patients randomly assigned to the SAC or control group was conducted. The SAC group was provided with a smartphone application providing a personalized exercise program, daily activity monitoring, and diet counselling. The control group was briefly educated on the exercise program using a paper brochure. The primary endpoint was increase in cardiorespiratory endurance assessed using the 2-minute walking test (2MWT). Secondary endpoints included improved muscle strength (hand grip strength test and 30-second chair stand test), short physical performance battery, body composition, and health-related quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30 and PR25). Participants in both groups showed significant improvement in the 2MWT and 30-second chair stand test after 12 weeks of intervention. Greater improvement in the 2MWT was observed in the SAC group than in the control group. Significantly increased body fat ratio was observed in both groups; however, decreased skeletal muscle mass was observed only in the control group. Marginal improvement in skeletal muscle mass was observed over time in the SAC group when compared with that in the control group. Both groups showed improvement in all physical scales in the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and the SAC group showed a significant interaction of group and time for social functioning scales. SAC improved cardiorespiratory endurance, sarcopenic obesity, and health-related quality of life in patients with PCa on ADT.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Postoperative Rehabilitation in Older Patients With Hip Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide with the aging population, causing a challenge to healthcare systems due to the associated morbidities and high risk of mortality. After hip fractures in frail geriatric patients, existing comorbidities worsen and new complications are prone to occur. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for promoting physical function recovery and minimizing complications, which can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations are required to assist healthcare providers in making decisions on rehabilitation post-surgery. Clinical practice guidelines regarding rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapies) and management of comorbidities/complications in the postoperative phase of hip fractures have not been developed. This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for various treatment items required for proper recovery after hip fracture surgeries. METHODS: Reflecting the complex perspectives associated with rehabilitation post-hip surgeries, 15 key questions (KQs) reflecting the complex perspectives associated with post-hip surgery rehabilitation were categorized into four areas: multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, community-care, and comorbidities/complications. Relevant literature from four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed) was searched for articles published up to February 2020. The evidence level and recommended grade were determined according to the grade of recommendation assessment, development, and evaluation method. RESULTS: A multidisciplinary approach, progressive resistance exercises, and balance training are strongly recommended. Early ambulation, weigh-bearing exercises, activities of daily living training, community-level rehabilitation, management of comorbidities/complication prevention, and nutritional support were also suggested. This multidisciplinary approach reduced the total healthcare cost. CONCLUSION: This guideline presents comprehensive recommendations for the rehabilitation of adult patients after hip fracture surgery.

Nonsurgical treatments for patients with radicular pain from lumbosacral disc herniation.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbosacral disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal diseases causative of sick leave in the workplace and morbidity in daily activities. Nonsurgical managements are considered as first line treatment before surgical treatment. PURPOSE: This clinical practice guideline (CPG) is intended to provide physicians who treat patients diagnosed with LDH with a guideline supported by scientific evidence to assist in decision-making for appropriate and reasonable treatments. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A systematic review. PATIENT SAMPLE: Studies of human subjects written in Korean or English that met the following criteria were selected: patients aged ≥18 years, clinical presentation of low back and radicular leg pain, diagnosis of LDH on radiological evaluation including computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Pain and functional evaluation scales such as visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and Oswestry disability index METHODS: The MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Review, and KoreaMed databases were searched for articles regarding non-surgical treatments for LDH published up to July 2017. Of the studies fulfilling these criteria, those investigating clinical results after non-surgical treatment including physical and behavioral therapy, medication, and interventional treatment in terms of pain control and functional improvements were chosen for this study. RESULTS: Nonsurgical treatments were determined to be clinically effective with regards to pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with LDH. Nevertheless, the evidence level was generally not evaluated as high degree, which might be attributed to the paucity of well-designed randomized controlled trials. Exercise and traction were strongly recommended despite moderate level of evidence. Epidural injection was strongly recommended with high degree of evidence and transforaminal approach was more strongly recommended than caudal approach. CONCLUSIONS: This CPG provides new and updated evidence-based recommendations for treatment of the patients with LDH, which suggested that, despite an absence of high degrees of evidence level, non-surgical treatments were clinically effective.

Computed tomography-based quantitative assessment of lower extremity lymphedema following treatment for gynecologic cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an algorithmic quantitative skin and subcutaneous tissue volume measurement protocol for lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) patients using computed tomography (CT), to verify the usefulness of the measurement techniques in LEL patients, and to observe the structural characteristics of subcutaneous tissue according to the progression of LEL in gynecologic cancer. METHODS: A program for algorithmic quantitative analysis of lower extremity CT scans has been developed to measure the skin and subcutaneous volume, muscle compartment volume, and the extent of the peculiar trabecular area with a honeycombed pattern. The CT venographies of 50 lower extremities from 25 subjects were reviewed in two groups (acute and chronic lymphedema). RESULTS: A significant increase in the total volume, subcutaneous volume, and extent of peculiar trabecular area with a honeycombed pattern except quantitative muscle volume was identified in the more-affected limb. The correlation of CT-based total volume and subcutaneous volume measurements with volumetry measurement was strong (correlation coefficient: 0.747 and 0.749, respectively). The larger extent of peculiar trabecular area with a honeycombed pattern in the subcutaneous tissue was identified in the more-affected limb of chronic lymphedema group. CONCLUSION: CT-based quantitative assessments could provide objective volume measurements and information about the structural characteristics of subcutaneous tissue in women with LEL following treatment for gynecologic cancer.