Physical activity and physical fitness in lymphoma patients before, during and after treatment - a prospective observational study.

Fatigue is the most prevalent and distressing treatment-related symptomin cancer patients in general and in patients with haematological cancers in particular. Survivors of lymphoma often report profound deficits in health-related quality of life and decreased physical fitness (exercise capacity, muscle strength) and self reported physical activity. Aside from the adverse effects of the disease itself also the impact of the treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) of lymphoma will affect on the patients health and physical fitness. This has however never been studied in a longitudinal design. In addition we will measure physical activity in daily life with an activity monitor, a very small device worn on the waist, that objectively measures how much time of the day is spent in walking, standing, sitting and lying. Furthermore, we will investigatethe relationship of change in physical activity and fitness with different patient-, disease-, and treatment-related factors. This will allow us to identify patients at risk of developing a significant decline in physical activity and fitness. These patients might be candidates for an individualized exercise program during their treatment</>. </>

Keywords:Physical activity, Physical fitness, Lymphoma, Health related quality of life, Activity monitoring

Disciplines:Morphological sciences, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Human movement and sports sciences, Rehabilitation sciences

Project type:PhD project