Cancer Survivors with Low Hand Grip Strength Have Decreased Quality of Life Compared with Healthy Controls: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014-2017

Association between handgrip strength, handgrip strength asymmetry, and anxiety in Korean older adults: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2022

Low handgrip strength (HGS) and HGS asymmetry are associated with age-related physical and mental disorders in older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between HGS-related factors and anxiety to evaluate whether HGS assessments can assist in identifying anxiety risk. In total, 1,750 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2022 were included in this study. Individuals whose HGS values were below the 20th percentile of the study population stratified by sex were classified into the low-HGS group. Anxiety was assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder with a 7-item scale. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between HGS level and asymmetry and anxiety, adjusting for covariates. Overall, 70 (8.7%) men and 123 (13.0%) women had anxiety. Elevated odds of anxiety were observed in older women with low HGS (adjusted odds ratio: 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-3.61). There was a positive correlation between the degree of asymmetrical HGS and anxiety among women. This study found positive associations between low HGS, HGS asymmetry, and anxiety in older Korean women. This population may require specific interventions to help maintain good mental health.

The quality of life impacting factors in malnourished patients with gastric cancer

Introduction

Malnutrition is prevalent among individuals with gastric cancer and notably decreases their quality of life (QOL). However, the factors impacting QOL are yet to be clearly defined. This study aimed to identify essential factors impacting QOL in malnourished patients suffering from gastric cancer.

Methods

By using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) to assess the nutritional status (≥4 defined malnutrition) of hospitalized cancer patients, 4,586 gastric cancer patients were ultimately defined as malnourished. Spearman method was used to calculate the relationship between clinical features and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Then, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to observe which factors affected QOL, and subgroup analysis was performed in young and old population respectively. In addition, we used univariate and multivariate logistic regression to explore whether and how self-reported frequent symptoms in the last 2 weeks of the PG-SGA score affected QOL.

Results

In multivariate logistic regression analysis of clinical features of patients with malnourished gastric cancer, women, stage II, stage IV, WL had an independent correlation with a low global QOL scores. However, BMI, secondary education, higher education, surgery, chemotherapy, HGS had an independent correlation with a high global QOL scores. In multivariate logistic regression analysis of symptoms in self-reported PG-SGA scores in patients with malnourished gastric cancer, having no problem eating had an independent correlation with a high global QOL scores. However, they have no appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation and pain had an independent correlation with a lower global QOL scores. The p values of the above statistical results are both < 0.05.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that QOL in malnourished patients with gastric cancer is determined by female sex, stage II, stage IV, BMI, secondary and higher education or above, surgery, chemotherapy, WL, and HGS. Patients' self-reported symptoms of nearly 2 weeks, obtained by using PG-SGA, are also further predictive of malnourished gastric cancer patients. Detecting preliminary indicators of low QOL could aid in identifying patients who might benefit from an early referral to palliative care and assisted nursing.

NEUROCANTRIAL: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a pain neuroscience education programme in adults with cancer pain

INTRODUCTION

Pain is the second most frequent symptom reported in patients with cancer among the main reasons for consultation. The incorporation of educational modalities in pain intervention processes has been suggested. This study aims to examine the efficacy of neuroscience pain education (PNE) in relation to pain, biopsychosocial variables and functional capacity in comparison with conventional treatment. It is hypothesised that an intervention based on PNE achieves better outcomes than conventional management, in terms of pain, biopsychosocial variables and functional capacity in adults with oncological pain.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This will be a single-blind, controlled clinical trial in which two groups will be compared using changes in pain as the primary measure. The first group will receive conventional treatment in addition to PNE, and participants will undergo an intervention of nine sessions (one session per week, for a total of 9 weeks), each lasting 30-40 min. Specifically, these sessions will teach biophysiological elements using metaphors that allow the adoption of these concepts related to pain. The second group will receive conventional treatment (pharmacological treatment). For this study, a sample size calculation was made based on the background, where 80 adults with oncological pain were required. An initial evaluation will be made to establish the baseline characteristics, and then, according to the randomisation, the assignment to the PNE group or the control group will be made and the two groups will be summoned again. Ten weeks later, for the intervention evaluation, the statistical analysis plan will be established by protocol and by intention-to-treat.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol complies with all ethical considerations. The authors commit to presenting the study's results. This study was approved by the ethics committees of the Universidad Santiago de Cali, Clínica de Occidente/Angiografía de Occidente. The authors commit to presenting the study's results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05581784.

Predictors of lower exercise capacity in patients with cancer

Maintaining cancer patients' exercise capacity and therefore patients' ability to live a self-determined life is of huge importance, but little is known about major determinants. We sought to identify determinants of exercise capacity in patients with a broad spectrum of cancer types, who were already receiving cancer treatment or about to commence such therapy. Exercise capacity was assessed in 253 consecutive patients mostly suffering from advanced cancer using the 6-min walk test (6-MWT). All patients underwent echocardiography, physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, hand grip strength (HGS) measurement, and laboratory assessments. Patients were divided into two groups according to the median distance in the 6-MWT (459 m). Patients with lower exercise capacity were older, had significantly lower HGS and haemoglobin and higher values of high sensitive (hs) Troponin T and NT-proBNP (all p < 0.05). Whilst the co-morbidity burden was significantly higher in this group, no differences were detected for sex, body mass index, tumor type, or cachexia (all p > 0.2). Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that the presence of anaemia (odds ratio (OR) 6.172, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.401-27.201, p = 0.016) as well as an increase in hs Troponin T (OR 3.077, 95% CI 1.202-5.301, p = 0.019) remained independent predictors of impaired exercise capacity. Increasing HGS was associated with a reduced risk of a lower exercise capacity (OR 0.896, 95% CI 0.813-0.987, p = 0.026). Screening patients for elevated hs troponin levels as well as reduced HGS may help to identify patients at risk of lower exercise capacity during cancer treatment.

Better Handgrip Strength Is Related to the Lower Prevalence of Pain and Anxiety in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Although handgrip strength (HGS) may be treated as a biomarker of many health problems, there is little evidence on the potential role of HGS in the prevention of pain or anxiety in older adults. We investigated the relationship of HGS to the presence of pain and anxiety among community-dwelling older adults. The study was performed in 2038 outpatients, aged 60 to 106 years. The Jamar hand-held hydraulic dynamometer was used to measure HGS. The prevalence of pain and anxiety was assessed with the Euroqol 5D questionnaire. Symptoms of depression were recorded with 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). In the multivariate logistic regression model taking into account age, sex, BMI and concomitant diseases, the significant influence of HGS on the presence of pain (odds ratio [OR]  =  0.988) in the entire study population and among men (OR  =  0.983) was found. HGS was a significant independent predictor for the presence of anxiety in the entire study population (OR  =  0.987), in women (OR  =  0.985) and in men (OR  =  0.988). In the fully adjusted model with included GDS, 1 kg higher HGS was still associated with 1.2% and 1.3% lower probability of the presence of pain and anxiety, respectively. We conclude that low HGS is associated with the presence of pain and anxiety among older adults, independent of age, sex, depression symptoms and concomitant chronic diseases. Future research should assess whether improvement of HGS would alleviate psychological dysfunction in older adults.

Understanding Heterogeneity in the Relationship Between Cancer and Hand Grip Strength: A Longitudinal Analysis

This study examined whether the relationship between cancer and hand grip strength differs by sex and along the hand grip strength distribution. Using six waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) (N = 9735), sex-stratified unconditional quantile regression models with fixed effects were used to assess sex-specific effects of cancer for patients in different quantiles of the hand grip strength distribution. Cancer diagnosis was negatively associated with hand grip strength for males, but not females, and this sex difference was statistically significant. Quantile regression models showed that the stronger association between cancer and hand grip strength is observed among males with weaker hand grip strength. No statistically significant association was found between hand grip strength and cancer in females across the entire distribution of hand grip strength. This study provided evidence of the heterogeneity in the relationship between cancer and hand grip strength.

Differences in the Relationships Between Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass, Balance Function, and Quality of Life for Middle-Aged and Older Breast Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle strength, muscle mass, balance function, and quality of life (QOL) among middle-aged breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and older BCSs.

METHODS

The study included 53 middle-aged (<65 years old) BCSs and 49 older (≥65 years old) BCSs. Muscle strength was evaluated via handgrip and knee extensor strength, and muscle mass was assessed using a body composition test. Balance function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and the body sway test. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey.

RESULTS

The older BCSs had significantly lower right grip strength, right knee extension strength, and muscle mass (P < .05) than the middle-aged BCSs. In addition, the body sway test showed that older BCSs had a significant increase in the length of center of pressure compared to middle-aged BCSs (P < .05). Older BCSs showed significantly lower physical functioning subscales in QOL compared to middle-aged BCSs (P < .05). The associations among muscle strength, muscle mass and QOL were more significantly observed in the older BCSs (P < .05). Furthermore, a significant correlation between QOL and balance function was observed in the older BCSs, but not in the middle-aged BCSs (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

There may be associations among muscle strength, muscle mass, balance and QOL in older BCSs, but not in middle-aged BCSs. We believe that the findings of this study will be relevant in the context of planning rehabilitation for older BCSs.

Associations of Physical Activity and Handgrip Strength with Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Korean Cancer Survivors

Background: Uncertainty exists regarding the associations between physical activity (PA), relative handgrip strength (RHGS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly Korean cancer survivors. This study investigated the moderating effect of RHGS on the relationship between PA and HRQoL in 308 cancer survivors aged ≥65 years using the data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2014−2019. Methods: HRQoL was evaluated with the EuroQol-5-dimension instrument. PA and handgrip strength were assessed with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and a hand dynamometer, respectively. Age, sex, body mass index, income, marital status, educational background, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking status, multimorbidity, and hemoglobin were included as covariates. Results: Bivariate logistic regression showed that insufficient PA and no PA were associated with higher odds of a low HRQoL (odds ratio, OR = 2.6, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.3~5.1, p = 0.005; OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1~5.0, p = 0.024, respectively), compared with sufficient PA (OR = 1). Weak RHGS was associated with high odds of a low HRQoL (OR = 2.6, 95%= 1.530~4.6, p < 0.001) compared with normal RHGS (OR = 1). Particularly, RHGS (β = −0.0573, 95% CI = −0.1033~−0.0112) had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between PA and HRQoL even after adjustments for all the covariates. The negative influence of physical inactivity on HRQoL was observed in cancer survivors with weak RHGS but not in cancer survivors with normal RHGS. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that maintaining or promoting muscular strength through regular exercise is critical for the HRQoL of elderly Korean cancer survivors.

Cardiovascular and metabolic determinants of quality of life in patients with cancer

AIMS

Maintaining quality of life (QoL) in patients with cancer has gathered significant interest, but little is known about its major determinants. We sought to identify determinants of QoL in patients undergoing cancer treatment as well as in treatment-naïve patients about to commence such therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

QoL was assessed in 283 patients with cancer using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 questionnaire. All patients underwent a battery of tests including physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, hand grip strength, and biochemistry assessment. Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that age [odds ratio (OR) 0.954, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.916-0.994], resting heart rate (OR 1.036, 95% CI 1.004-1.068), hand grip strength (OR 0.932, 95% CI 0.878-0.990), and the presence of cachexia (OR 4.334, 95% CI 1.767-10.631) and dyspnoea (OR 3.725, 95% CI 1.540-9.010; all P < 0.05) remained independently predictive of reduced QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, it may be reasonable to address circumstances that are affecting muscle mass, body weight, and heart rate to maintaining QoL; however, prospective studies to test these endpoints are required.

Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life in Older People with and without Sarcopenia Covered by Long-Term Care Insurance

Background: As a result of the increase in older people covered by long-term care insurance (LTCI), prevention of sarcopenia and maintenance and improvement of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have become important themes. This study aimed to clarify both the differences in HRQOL in older people with and without sarcopenia covered by LTCI and the correlation between HRQOL and physical function. Methods: Participants were 101 older people with LTCI at a daycare center in Japan. We investigated clinical factors using the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). Analysis was by unpaired t-test, Mann−Whitney U test, chi-square test, analysis of covariance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: Compared to the no sarcopenia group (n = 40), the sarcopenia group (n = 24) had significantly lower body mass index, skeletal muscle mass index, gait speed, EQ-5D-3L, and adjusted EQ-5D-3L (p < 0.05). The EQ-5D-3L showed a significant correlation with handgrip strength in the sarcopenia group (p = 0.02) and significant correlations with gait speed and one-leg standing time (both, p = 0.01) in the no sarcopenia group. Conclusion: We clarified differences in HRQOL in older people with and without sarcopenia covered by LTCI. This information on the interrelationship between HRQOL and physical function may help maintain and improve HRQOL in these people.