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.