This study aims to evaluate physical fitness and physical activity in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing NAC, utilizing wearable devices for monitoring.
Patients treated with NAC (2 or 3 cycles of DCF therapy) for esophageal cancer at our hospital from February 2023 to August 2024 were included. After consenting, patients received exercise guidance from physiotherapists and were provided with wearable devices, recommended for daily use. At each NAC admission, physical function was assessed, activity feedback provided, and exercise content reviewed. Outcome measures included step count, physical activity duration, grip strength, knee extensor strength, 6-minute walk distance, and wearable device adherence.
Among 36 patients assessed from pre-NAC to 3 months post-surgery, 22 wore wearable devices, 13 of whom started pre-NAC. Physical activity data (average±SD; pre-NAC, post-NAC, 3 months post-surgery) revealed: steps 5620±3318, 4492±2485, 3538±2534; medium-intensity activity 11.0±16.0 min, 10.3±12.3 min, 3.8±5.5 min; high-intensity activity 10.4±13.0 min, 5.5±3.9 min, 3.2±3.6 min. Physical function changes were: grip strength 29.3±8.7 kg, 28.4±7.3 kg, 25.8±7.2 kg; knee extensor strength 136.3±33.9 %BW, 138.7±33.3 %BW, 134.5±35.3 %BW; and 6-minute walk distance 499.3±136.5 m, 481.6±123.6 m, 451.0±113.8 m.
Both physical activity and physical function decreased from pre-NAC to three months post-surgery. Device adherence exceeded 80%, and wearable devices allowed objective, continuous monitoring of patients' activity levels.
Maintaining and improving physical function during NAC may improve postoperative outcomes. In addition to wearable devices, developing sustainable exercise programs that patients can follow independently is crucial.
wearable device
physical fitness
