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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-06-2020 | Underweight | Original Article

Neuromuscular function and fatigability in people diagnosed with head and neck cancer before versus after treatment

Authors: Colin Lavigne, Harold Lau, George Francis, S. Nicole Culos-Reed, Guillaume Y. Millet, Rosie Twomey

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 6/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Treatment for head and neck cancer is associated with multiple side effects, including loss of body mass, impaired physical function and reduced health-related quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of treatment (radiation therapy ± concurrent chemotherapy) on (i) muscle strength, muscle cross-sectional area and patient-reported outcomes, and (ii) central and peripheral alterations during a whole-body exercise task.

Methods

Ten people with head and neck cancer (4 female; 50 ± 9 years) completed a lab visit before and after (56 ± 30 days) completion of treatment. Participants performed a neuromuscular assessment (involving maximal isometric voluntary contractions in the knee extensors and electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve) before and during intermittent cycling to volitional exhaustion. Anthropometrics and patient-reported outcomes were also assessed.

Results

From before to after treatment, maximal isometric muscle strength was reduced (P = 0.002, d = 0.73), as was potentiated twitch force (P < 0.001, d = 0.62), and muscle cross-sectional area (e.g., vastus lateralis: P = 0.010, d = 0.64). Exercise time was reduced (P = 0.008, d = 0.62) and peripheral processes contributed to a reduction in maximal force due to cycling. After treatment, the severity of self-reported fatigue increased (P = 0.041, r = − 0.65) and health-related quality of life decreased (P = 0.012, r = − 0.79).

Conclusion

Neuromuscular function was impaired in patients with head and neck cancer after treatment. Whole-body exercise tolerance was reduced and resulted in predominantly peripheral, rather than central, disturbances to the neuromuscular system. Future research should evaluate strength training after treatment for head and neck cancer, with the overall aim of reducing fatigue and improving health-related quality of life.

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Title: Neuromuscular function and fatigability in people diagnosed with head and neck cancer before versus after treatment
Authors: Colin Lavigne
Harold Lau
George Francis
S. Nicole Culos-Reed
Guillaume Y. Millet
Rosie Twomey
Publication date: 01-06-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Underweight
Underweight
Fatigue
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 6/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04362-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Neuromuscular function and fatigability in people diagnosed with head and neck cancer before versus after treatment

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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