Physical activity levels in lung cancer patients after receiving radiotherapy treatment

<bold>Introduction:</bold> The scientific community is making an extensive effort to analyze the deterioration experienced by lung cancer survivors during disease progression and cancer treatment. However, there is still no consensus on the physical activity deterioration that these patients may experience after receiving radiotherapy treatment. For this reason, this study aimed to analyze the physical activity levels of lung cancer survivors that receive radiotherapy treatment. <bold>Material and Methods:</bold> An observational study was carried out with lung cancer patients who were candidates for radiotherapy treatment in the radiotherapy oncology unit of the San Cecilio University Hospital from Granada. The physical activity levels of participants before and after receiving radiotherapy treatment was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the perceived barriers to perform physical activity with the Physical Activity Barriers After Cancer instruments (PABAC). <bold>Results:</bold> A total of 65 patients were included in the study, and 61 completed both assessments. Participants showed a significant decline in physical activity levels after completing radiotherapy treatment (p<.001). In addition, they had an increase in sedentary attitudes (p=.001) and perceived barriers to physical activity (p<.001). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Lung cancer survivors show a decline in physical activity levels after receiving radiotherapy treatment, with an increase in sedentary attitudes and perceived barriers to physical activity.