Summary
The first research paper (by Halkett et al. ) reports on the benefits and challenges that 19 patients with a glioblastoma and 15 carers experienced when they participated in a supervised exercise program. The exercise program was conducted by both patients and carers at the hospital when they attended for the chemoradiotherapy appointment. The paper is easy to read and provides many quotes from the participants.
Following the mostly positive experiences, the researchers conducted a pilot study with 25 patients who participated in a supervised aerobic and resistance exercise program. The program was run twice a week for one hour. The second research paper (by Nowak et al.) reports the findings. In summary, there were no adverse events but it was difficult for some patients to commit, complete or adhere to the exercise program due to treatment related factors such as nausea, fatigue, pain or seizures. For those who were able to participate in the program, there were significant improvements in muscle strength and function. While not improved, fatigue, body composition, sleep quality and quality of life remained at the same level before and after the program. The discussion of the paper provides a good summary of the outcomes and comments as to why outcomes did and did not improve.
Full text
The full text of both papers is attached below.
Research publications
Halkett, G. K. B., Cormie, P., McGough, S., Zopf, E. M., Galvão, D. A., Newton, R. U., & Nowak, A. K. (2021). Patients and carers’ perspectives of participating in a pilot tailored exercise program during chemoradiotherapy for high grade glioma: A qualitative study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl), 30(5), e13453. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.13453
Nowak, A. K., Newton, R. U., Cruickshank, T., Cormie, P., Halkett, G. K. B., Tsoi, D., & Galvão, D. A. (2023). A feasibility, safety, and efficacy evaluation of supervised aerobic and resistance exercise for patients with glioblastoma undertaking adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Neurooncol Pract, 10(3), 261-270. https://doi.org/10.1093/nop/npad006