Abstract
Objective: We report an experience with low intensity exercise therapy for a lung cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy with undernutrition and low physical activity.
Case: A woman in her 80s with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 2 diagnosed with postoperative recurrence of lung cancer. The patient was at risk for early discontinuation of chemotherapy because her anorexia did not improve during chemotherapy and was accompanied by low physical activity. Physical therapy was performed with exercise therapy on the rating of perceived exertion (Borg Scale) 11 to maintain physical function and skeletal muscle mass.
Results: The patient received 9 courses of chemotherapy and had a partial response. During the treatment period the cross-sectional area of the body fat of the third lumbar vertebra decreased significantly, while the cross-sectional area of the skeletal muscle of third lumbar vertebra, knee extension muscle strength, Short Physical Performance Battery, and gait speed did not decrease.
Conclusion: This case suggests that low-intensity exercise therapy may prevent loss of physical function and skeletal muscle mass and contribute to chemotherapy continuity for low physical activity lung cancer patients who have difficulty improving their low undernutritional status.
