EXPLORING the IMPACT of SUPERVISED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION on CACHECTIC CANCER PATIENTS: a PRELIMINARY STUDY

The goal of this project is to observe the benefits induced by physical activity during a supervised adapted physical activity program at SPORMED. Methodology: By agreeing to participate in this study, participation in a supervised adapted physical activity (APA) program at SPORMED and undergoing a series of evaluations will be required. At the start of the adapted physical activity program (T0), two APA sessions per week will be carried out for eight weeks. These group sessions, involving four participants, last 1 hour and are divided into 30 minutes of aerobic work on an ergometer followed by 30 minutes of muscle strengthening of the four limbs and core exercises, with or without small equipment. There is also the option to add a 45-minute balneotherapy session once a week, if desired and no contraindications are present. At the end of the eight weeks (T1), a follow-up phase begins, consisting of one APA session per week for another eight weeks. The session will be identical to the previously described sessions and can also be complemented by a balneotherapy session. The APA program will conclude after these 12 weeks (T2). A total of 24 indoor sessions will be offered, which can be supplemented by 12 balneotherapy sessions. Attendance at the sessions will be recorded. Additionally, a series of evaluations will take place at T0, T1, and T2. These include physical and anthropometric assessments at SPORMED lasting approximately 30 minutes. They involve weight and body composition evaluation (2 minutes), height measurement (1 minute), waist and hip circumference measurements using a tape measure (2 minutes). Next, an upper limb strength test will be conducted, involving three maximal contractions during a handgrip test with 30-second rest intervals (2 minutes), followed by a lower limb strength test, which involves performing as many sit-to-stand repetitions from a chair with a backrest and without armrests as possible in 30 seconds (30 seconds). Then, a balance test, including bipodal and unipodal stance (30 seconds on both feet, followed by each foot individually), will be performed, and finally, a 6-minute walking test, during which the longest possible distance must be covered (without running) in 6 minutes (6 minutes, with the option to stop if necessary). Additionally, four self-assessment questionnaires on quality of life, fatigue, physical activity level, and food consumption must be completed at home (about 20 to 30 minutes).

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

90 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Over 18 years
* Diagnosis of cancer cachexia
* Able to participate in exercise program
* Registered with the French health insurance system
* Understanding and speaking French

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical contraindications for exercise
* No report of weight changes in the last 6 months
* Disabilities to understand the study instructions

• DERIVEDRichard C, Peyrachon R, Lievre A, Andre N, Chaory K, Rebillard A. Exercise as supportive care in advanced cancer-related weight loss: a feasibility study comparing patients with and without severe weight loss. Support Care Cancer. 2026 Apr 29;34(5):475. doi: 10.1007/s00520-026-10665-3. PMID 42053853