A Multi-Modal Circuit Training Program Inspired by Pulmonary Rehabilitation to Reduce Dyspnoea and Improve Functional Capacity in Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.4s.864-872Keywords:
Randomized controlled trial, Quality of life, Exercise capacity, Dyspnoea, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Cancer survivorsAbstract
Background: Cancer survivors often experience persistent dyspnoea, fatigue, and reduced exercise capacity, which substantially impair their quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation principles have demonstrated benefits in chronic respiratory diseases, and adapting such models to oncology rehabilitation may offer a novel strategy for improving survivorship outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-modal circuit training (MMCT) program, inspired by pulmonary rehabilitation, in reducing dyspnoea and improving functional capacity, fatigue, and quality of life in cancer survivors.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 cancer survivors were randomly assigned to an intervention group (MMCT, n = 30) or a control group (usual care, n = 30). The MMCT program combined aerobic, resistance, breathing, and functional mobility exercises delivered three times per week for eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcome was the change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes included dyspnoea measured by the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, fatigue assessed by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F), and quality of life evaluated by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30).
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Participants in the intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in 6MWD compared to controls (mean difference +50.7 m, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.82). Dyspnoea scores improved by –1.2 in the intervention versus –0.4 in controls (p = 0.002). FACIT-F scores improved by +11.3 in the intervention versus +4.2 in controls (p = 0.001). QLQ-C30 Global health scores improved by +14.5 versus +5.1 points, respectively (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: The MMCT program significantly enhanced functional capacity, reduced dyspnoea, and improved fatigue and quality of life in cancer survivors, supporting its integration into survivorship care.
