Association between Walking Ability, Muscle Strength, and Physical Symptoms in Patients with Terminal Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined the relationships between walking ability, muscle strength, and physical symptoms in patients with terminal cancer.
Methods: Walking ability, lower limb muscle strength, and physical symptoms were assessed in 70 patients upon admission to the palliative care ward. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis with walking ability as the outcome; lower limb muscle strength as the exposure variable; and age, sex, Palliative Prognostic Index, and opioid use as adjustment variables.
Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that walking ability was associated with lower extremity muscle strength (odds ratio: 3.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–10.80; p = 0.041).
Conclusion: Lower limb muscle strength affected walking ability in patients with terminal cancer. Our results suggest that exercise therapy aimed at maintaining and improving muscle strength and walking ability is needed for patients in palliative care as well as for patients with cancer undergoing treatment.