Accelerometer-determined physical activity and sedentary time among lung cancer survivors: Associations with health-related quality of life and fatigue

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine associations between objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary time with health-related quality of life and fatigue among lung cancer survivors. We also examined demographic and clinical correlates of physical activity and sedentary time. In total, 127 lung cancer survivors wore an Actigraph® GT3X+ accelerometer on their hip for seven days and completed a mailed questionnaire. Lung cancer survivors were not engaged in meaningful amounts of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity and also engaged in high amounts of sedentary time. Engaging in physical activity was positively associated with better patient-reported outcomes, while negative associations were found with sedentary time. Older and overweight lung cancer survivors with a smoking history who were more than five years post diagnosis were found to be less active and more sedentary. Strategies specifically designed for this population are needed to increase their physical activity levels and decrease sedentary time.