The effect of lung exercise on respiratory and motor function, life quality and the survival of patients with non-operative lung cancer

Objective To explore the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation training on the respiratory function, motor function, life quality, survival and complications of patients with non-operative lung cancer. Methods A group of 88 patients with non-operative lung cancer was randomly divided into a training group (n=45) and a control group (n=43). Both groups were given anti-tumor therapy, while the training group was additionally provided with systematic respiratory training, including breathing pattern training, cough and expectoration training, respiratory gymnastics and walking training. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) were measured at the outset and after 8, 16 and 24 weeks of the training. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was administered along with the QLQ-C30 assessment of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Complications in both groups were also recorded and analyzed. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were followed up after the treatment. Results After 8, 16 and 24 weeks of the treatment, the average FVC and FEV1 volumes and the 6MWT times of the training group were significantly better than those before treatment and significantly better than the control group averages. Indeed, no significant improvement was observed in the control group′s average FVC, FEV1 or 6MWT results. After 24 weeks the treatment group′s average scores on the physical function, social function, emotional function, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite, constipation, and overall quality of life sub-scales of the QLQ-C30 had all improved significantly more than in the control group. The incidence of pulmonary complications in the control group (26%) was significantly higher than that in the training group (11%). The median PFS and OS of the training group (14.3 and 27.3 months) were not significantly better than those of the control group, however. Conclusion Respiratory exercise training and aerobic exercise training combined with the anti-tumor therapy, while not prolonging survival, can effectively improve the life quality of patients with non-operative lung cancer, reducing the incidence of complications and promoting the recovery of respiratory function. The combination is worthy of popularization in clinical practice. Key words: Lung cancer; Pulmonary rehabilitation; Pulmonary function; Quality of life; Cancer survival