Physical activity and prognosis and factors associated with low physical activity in patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer: a retrospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between physical activity and prognosis, and the significant factors associated with physical activity in patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational study enrolled 50 outpatients with lung cancer who received chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated for physical function, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form [MNA-SF]). The relationship between physical activity and prognosis was examined using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with low physical activity. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the MNA-SF cut-off value for low physical activity.

RESULTS

Low physical activity was significantly associated with survival (HR, 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-16.27; p=0.029). The MNA-SF was a significant factor associated with low physical activity (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.98; p=0.038). The MNA-SF cut-off value for low physical activity was 9.5 points.

CONCLUSIONS

Low physical activity may be a prognostic factor in lung cancer, with nutritional status associated with low physical activity. Regular assessments using the MNA-SF cut-off and physical activity interventions considering nutrition are needed in clinical practice.