Physical activity and prognosis and factors associated with low physical activity in patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer: a retrospective, observational study.

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between physical activity and prognosis, and the significant factors associated with physical activity in patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer.

Methods: This retrospective, observational study enrolled 50 outpatients with lung cancer who received chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated for physical function, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form [MNA-SF]). The relationship between physical activity and prognosis was examined using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with low physical activity. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the MNA-SF cut-off value for low physical activity.

Results: Low physical activity was significantly associated with survival (HR, 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-16.27; p=0.029). The MNA-SF was a significant factor associated with low physical activity (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.98; p=0.038). The MNA-SF cut-off value for low physical activity was 9.5 points.

Conclusions: Low physical activity may be a prognostic factor in lung cancer, with nutritional status associated with low physical activity. Regular assessments using the MNA-SF cut-off and physical activity interventions considering nutrition are needed in clinical practice.