Multidimensional evaluation activities of daily living and quality of life in lung cancer

Activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with lung cancer have been defined with rates between 13-49%. Besides, the most affected activities in ADL are defined by patients as personal care, walking-transfers, housework, shopping and weight lifting In this context, assessment of ADL in lung cancer and identification of problems in ADL are important. In literature review, it was observed that only the scales were used to obtain data based on the evaluation of ADL in lung cancer patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ADL in lung cancer patients with a performance-based protocol, to compare the ADL evaluation results in lung cancer patients with healthy controls and investigate how the ADL were affected in lung cancer patients. Twenty-two patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer, who had completed adjuvant treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy 6 months ago, and 22 healthy individuals with similar physical and demographic characteristics were included in the study. Physical and demographic characteristics of the subjects were recorded. Pulmonary function of the subjects was measured using spirometer, functional capacity was measured using 6 minute walk test (6MWT), skeletal muscle strength was measured using hand held dynamometer. The ADL was evaluated using Londrina protocol. EORTC-QLQ c30 questionnaire was used for quality of life. As a result of the study, lung function, 6MWT, knee extensors, shoulder abductors, shoulder flexors, elbow flexors and hand grip strength were significantly lower in patients with lung cancer (p<0.05). The total time spent in ADL was significantly longer on lung cancer patients than those of healthy controls (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in quality of life between the two groups (p>0.05). There was a correlation between the duration of completion of the Londrina protocol and the 6 MWT (p<0.05). As a result, daily living activities of lung cancer patients are affected. Patients with lung cancer perform their daily life activities in a longer period than individuals with similar physical characteristics. The Londrina protocol is an effective and objective method for assessing ADL in patients with lung cancer. Objective assessment of ADL in patients with lung cancer will guide the determination of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs.