Comparison of oxygen consumption, respiratory muscle strength, physical function and quality of life of patients with colon cancer with healthy persons

Colorectal cancer and/or treatments have short- and long-term effects on survivors. Therefore, cardiorespiratory fitness, respiratory muscle function, physical function, fatigue perception and quality of life may be affected in patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate maximal oxygen consumption, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, physical function, fatigue and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer and to compare it with healthy individuals. Twenty patients with colorectal cancer and 20 age and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in the study. Physical and demographic characteristics of individuals were recorded. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess the level of physical activity. Respiratory muscle strength was evolvated using mouth pressure device (maximal inspiratory pressure-MIP and maximal expiratory pressure-MEP) and respiratory muscle endurance were evaluated. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) was performed with Modified Bruce Protocol for maximal oxygen consumption. Quality of life was assessed by EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-CR29 questionnaires, and fatigue was assessed by Brief Fatigue Questionnaire. At the end of the study, (IPAQ) total and walking scores were higher in patients with colorectal cancer (p <0.05). Maximal expiratory pressure and maximal oxygen consumption were lower in patients with colorectal cancer than healthy subjects (p<0.05). There were no significant difference in maximal inspiratory pressure and respiratory muscle endurance between grups (p>0.05). In patients with colorectal cancer EORTC-QLQ-C30 had the best score in role performance and the lowest score in emotional status in the functional status subheadings. In the subheadings of symptoms, the most affected were in fatigue and the least affected were nausea and vomiting. Fatigue was higher in patients with colorectal cancer than healthy subjects (p<0.05). In conclusion, respiratory muscle strength, maximal oxygen consumption, physical function and fatigue severity are significantly affected in patients with colorectal cancer compared to healthy individuals. Participation in rehabilitation programs before, during and after medical treatment is important in reducing these effects and improving cardiorespiratory compliance assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing.