Physical training During intrahepatic chemotherapy

Abstract Kelm J, Ahlhelm F, Weisenbach P, Schliesing P, Regitz T, Deubel G, Engel C. Phuysical training during intrahepatic chemotheraphy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:6870. Objective: To evaluate the role of strength and endurance training for the muscular, cardiac, respiratory, and immune systems and the quality of life (QOL) during intrahepatic chemotherapy (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil). Design: Single case. Setting: Teaching hospital in Germany. Participant: An elderly athlete with liver metastasis after resection of a carcinoma of the rectum (pT3, N0, M-liver, G2). Intervention: Strength and endurance training during chemotherapy. Main Outcome Measures: During the intervals between training cycles (14d), beginning in postoperative week 6, a strength and endurance training regimen was performed twice weekly for 13 weeks, with an intensity of 40% to 60% of the maximum postoperative individual power and endurance. Before and after chemotherapy, we checked echocardiograms, resting and exercise electrocardiograms, lung function, natural killer (NK) cells, and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores. Results: The increase in strength was between 0% and 144%. The improvement in endurance expressed by reduction of heart rate and lactate concentration was 10% and 21.5%, respectively. Lung function also improved with regard to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (12.9%), forced vital capacity (11.3%), and inspiratory vital capacity (11.4%). The relative count of the NK cells increased to 27.2%. An improvement in the GIQLI was observed from 109 points (pathologic) to 129 points. Conclusion: Strength and endurance training was associated with an increase of physical strength and endurance with positive influence on illness-related QOL. Postoperative physical exercise during regional chemotherapy is beneficial.