Rehabilitation Exercises Supported by Monitor-Augmented Reality for Patients with High-Grade Glioma Undergoing Radiotherapy: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life (QoL) and even treatment outcomes in cancer patients. However, the evidence to support the benefits of exercise in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) is limited. Therefore, we performed a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to examine the effect of augmented-reality-based rehabilitation exercises on physical and functional fitness, cognitive function, fatigue, mood, QoL, selected blood parameters, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and S100 protein in patients with HGG. Methods: Adult patients with HGG scheduled to undergo radiotherapy after tumor resection were randomized to participate in an exercise program (experimental group, n = 25) or to receive usual care (controls, n = 22). Physical and mental fitness was measured at baseline, after the completion of radiotherapy, and at 3 months. The following tests were administered: Handgrip Strength Test; 6-Minute Walk Test; Time Up and Go test; Functional Independent Measure scale; Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE III); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; Functional Cancer Therapy Assessment-Brain; and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue. We also measured blood parameters, BDNF, and S100 protein levels. Results: No significant changes were observed in the exercise group. However, the controls experienced a significant decrease in HGS and in the ACE III attention domain. No significant changes were observed in QoL, fatigue, BDNF, or S100 levels in either group. Conclusions: Augmented-reality-based exercise during radiation therapy may prevent loss of muscle strength and attention in patients with HGG.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the effects of augmented-reality-based rehabilitation exercises on patients with high-grade glioma (HGG). The results showed that there were no significant changes in the exercise group, but the control group experienced a significant decrease in handgrip strength and attention. No significant changes were observed in quality of life (QoL), fatigue, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or S100 protein levels in either group. Therefore, augmented-reality-based exercise may help prevent muscle strength and attention loss in HGG patients during radiation therapy.