Effectiveness of combined nutrition, exercise and psychological interventions in patients with malignancy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Patients with malignancy often have a poor prognosis and dismal quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate whether a combined nutrition, exercise, and psychological intervention could improve these outcomes.

METHODS AND STUDY

DESIGN

In an open-label, randomized controlled trial at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University (Oct 2021-Jun 2022), 90 patients were assigned (1:1) to a treatment group receiving 6-month cyclic combined assessments and interventions, or a control group receiving assessments only. Body composition, hand grip strength (HGS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and quality of life were compared at baseline and 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0, with p <0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

90 people were enrolled, and 80 people have completed the study. Compared to controls, the intervention group showed significantly lower nutritional risk (10.0 % vs. 100 %, p <0.001) and malnutrition rates (22.5 % vs. 100 %, p <0.001). Significant improvements were observed in BMI, muscle mass, phase angle, HGS, and 6MWT distance (all p <0.001). HADS and PHQ-9 scores decreased (p <0.001). Quality-of-life scores (physical, role, emotional, social function, overall health) improved, while symptom scores (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting, etc.) decreased markedly (p <0.05). The control group exhibited opposite trends.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined nutrition, exercise, and psychological interventions effectively improve nutritional status, physical and psychological well-being, and quality of life in patients with malignancy, potentially enhancing treatment tolerance and promoting rehabilitation.