Temporal profiles of physical activity and energy expenditure in cancer in-patients

Abstract

Fifty-three cancer in-patients (37 males and 16 females) were randomly selected from the Regional Cancer Center, Pt. J.N.M. College, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Hospital, Raipur, India. Rhythms in physical activity (PA) and energy expenditure (EE) were studied non-invasively using Actical (Mini Mitter Co. Inc., USA) and compared with 24 apparently healthy subjects (11 males and 13 females). Data were gathered at 1-min epoch length for at least three to four consecutive days and were analyzed using several statistical techniques, such as Cosinor rhythmometry, ANOVA, Duncan's multiple-range test, and t-test. Most of the cancer in-patients and all control subjects exhibited a statistically significant circadian rhythm in PA and EE. However, the rhythm detection ratio was low among cancer in-patients. Patients had significantly lower 24-h average, lower amplitude, and an earlier acrophase in PA and EE rhythms. Further, significant effect of factor disease was discerned on total activity count (TAC) and total energy expenditure (TEE). TAC and TEE were significantly lower in cancer in-patients as compared to control subjects, irrespective of gender. In addition, a gradual decrement in PA intensity levels from sedentary to vigorous was validated in patients. From the present findings, it can be concluded that the factor disease might alter the temporal profiles of the PA and EE. However, further intensive studies involving more patients are required to reinforce the above conclusion.

Keywords:

• Actical
• physical activity
• energy expenditure
• circadian rhythm
• cancer in-patients
• PA intensity level

Acknowledgements

Financial assistance from University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India is gratefully acknowledged. We are very much thankful to Dr. A.K. Pati, Professor and Head, School of Life Sciences, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, who read the draft version of this article and offered valuable suggestions, and for providing us with the adequate research facilities. We are grateful to the cancer in-patients and control subjects for their voluntary participation in this study.