Effect of resistive training on gastrointestinal cancer cachexia

Abstract

Purpose: The current study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of resistive training in reducing the effect of cancer cachexia. Subjects and Methods: Thirty patients with gastrointestinal cancer cachexia participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 50-70 years. They were recruited from Al Kasr El-Ani hospital outpatient clinic to be treated in the outpatient clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and were divided randomly into two equal groups.Group (A) composed of 15 patients who received their ordinary medical treatment in addition to resistive training program 2 times per week for 8 weeks. Group (B) composed of 15 patients who received their ordinary medical treatment. Methods of assesment was measurements of Handgrip strength assessed by handgrip dynamometry, Lower body strength assessed using a 30-second sit to stand test, Lean body mass assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: There was a significant increase in both muscle strength and lean body mass in patient who received resistive training. Conclusion: Resistive training can be considered as an effective method in decreasing severity of cancer cachexia in gastrointestinal cancer patient.