Functional, physiological and subjective responses to concurrent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) exercise in adult cancer survivors: a controlled prospective study

Abstract

the primary aim of this study was to investigate the functional, physiological and subjective responses to nMeS exercise in cancer patients. participants with a cancer diagnosis, currently undergoing treatment, and an had an eastern cooperative oncology Group (ecoG) performance status (ecoG) of 1 and 2 were recommended to participate by their oncologist. Following a 2-week, no-NMES control period, each participant was asked to undertake a concurrent NMES exercise intervention over a 4-week period. Functional muscle strength [30 s sit-to-stand (30STS)], mobility [timed up and go (TUG)], exercise capacity [6-min walk test (6MWT)] and health related quality of life (HR-QoL) were assessed at baseline 1 (BL1), 2-week post control (BL2) and post 4-week NMES exercise intervention (POST). Physiological and subjective responses to LF-NMES were assessed during a 10-stage incremental session, recorded at BL2 and POST. Fourteen participants [mean age: 62 years (10)] completed the intervention. No adverse events were reported. 30STS (+ 2.4 reps, p = .007), and 6MWT (+ 44.3 m, p = .028) significantly improved after the intervention. No changes in TUG or HR-QoL were observed at POST. Concurrent NMES exercise may be an effective exercise intervention for augmenting physical function in participants with cancer and moderate and poor functional status. implications for cancer survivors: By allowing participants to achieve therapeutic levels of exercise, concurrent NMES may be an effective supportive intervention in cancer rehabilitation.

Does exercise affect cancer via reverse cholesterol transport process? A hypothesis which needs to be clarified by researchers

“…Although medical science has made significant advancements in cancer treatment, complementary therapies such as exercise are also essential for the treatment and improvement of cancer patients. 1 , 2 Exercise can induce various beneficial effects on cancer patients through different mechanisms. 2 , 3 However, the role of exercise in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) process in cancer patients has not been explored.…”

“… 1 , 2 Exercise can induce various beneficial effects on cancer patients through different mechanisms. 2 , 3 However, the role of exercise in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) process in cancer patients has not been explored. The RCT process is responsible for transporting cholesterol from the blood to the liver, 4 and many studies have investigated the effect of exercise on the elements of this process in relation to cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis.…”

“…A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t patients through different mechanisms (2,3). However, the role of exercise in the reverse cholesterol transport process (RCT) in cancer patients has not been explored.…”