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Home-Based Exercise Prehabilitation Program for the Improvement of Physical Fitness and Performance in Patients with Locoregional Esophageal Cancer

Trial Status: active

This clinical trial examines a home-based exercise “prehabilitation” program for improving physical fitness and performance in patients undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer that occurs within the esophagus and extends into adjacent areas including lymph nodes (locoregional). Muscle loss is frequently accelerated in cancer patients as a result of their disease and treatment. Maintaining a positive physical performance status improves a patient's tolerance to therapies before surgery and readiness to undergo complex operations. Exercise guidelines for cancer patients include both aerobic exercise and resistance training, and the latter is particularly critical for maintaining skeletal muscle and physical functioning. A home-based exercise prehabilitation program may improve physical fitness and performance status, thereby accelerating post-operative recovery and improving quality of life and treatment outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer.