The Effect Of Inpatient Exercise Program On Colorectal Cancer Patients After Surgery

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of inpatient exercise on body composition and psychological factors in colorectal cancer patients after surgery. METHODS: A total 65 stageI- III colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery was recruited. Subjects in exercise group participated supervised exercise program twice per day during hospitalization. The primary outcome was body composition and secondary outcome was psychological variables. All measurement were assessed a day before surgery and discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients completed the trial (exercise: 57±8 years of age and usual care: 56±10 years of age). Body weight was reduced in both exercise and usual care (exercise: -1.03 kg/m2 ± 1.42 kg/m2, usual care: -1.00 kg/m2 ± 1.36 kg/m2; p = 0.938), however, fat mass was reduced only in exercise group (-1.51 kg ±1.09 kg) while fat was tended to increase in usual care (0.68 kg ± 4.51 kg, p value between groups=0.037). Muscle mass was maintained in exercise group (0.25 kg ± 0.71 kg) while it significantly reduced in usual care group (-1.39 kg ± 3.59 kg; p vs. exercise= 0.048). Moreover, quality of life was improved only in exercise group (11.81 ± 17.93) while it decreased in usual care group (-13.46 ± 20.57; p vs. exercise = 0.003). There was significant interaction in depression score between groups in response to the intervention as well (exercise group: -0.17 ±1.09, control: 1.62 ± 2.06; p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: A post-operative exercise for colorectal cancer inpatient prevents muscle mass loss, and significantly reduces fat mass. Furthermore, post-operative exercise has positive psychological impact in colorectal cancer patient undergone curative surgery.