Effects of aerobic exercise performed the day before chemotherapy on cancer-related fatigue and active behavior in advanced cancer patients: a randomized crossover pilot study

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effect of moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic exercise performed the day before chemotherapy session on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and to compare active vs. sedentary behaviors over the subsequent 5 days. Methods Twelve metastatic cancer patients (45–65 years old) were recruited in a crossover study including three experimental conditions performed the day before chemotherapy: 1) Control (REST), 2) moderate continuous exercise (MOD), and 3) high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). CRF and other symptoms were assessed using visual analog scales. Sedentary and active behaviors, including light (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), were estimated using an accelerometer. All measures were collected over the 5 days following chemotherapy treatment. Results Mixed-effect linear models showed CRF fluctuated throughout the day. A significant time effect on CRF was found on Day 1 (p