Feasibility Study on the Implementation of a Supervised, Home-based Adapted Physical Activity Program for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers are the seventh most common type of cancer worldwide. The standard of care is surgical removal of the tumor, often accompanied by simultaneous reconstruction of the affected structures.

Enhanced post-surgical rehabilitation programs are offered to promote early recovery of functional abilities; they are applicable to all patients and all surgical specialties. Studies have shown a very significant benefit of physical activity prior to surgery in the context of cancers of the digestive or thoracic systems. Multimodal programs that incorporate nutritional and psychosocial factors and include physical exercise have been shown to improve postoperative mobility and physical activity levels in patients with colorectal, gastrointestinal, lung, and prostate cancers.

Our hypothesis is based on the premise that implementing an exercise program during the preoperative period could promote a return to optimal functional capacity, reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, and lower overall morbidity. Furthermore, we believe that the proposed support would encourage greater patient involvement in their care journey starting in the preoperative period and raise their awareness of the importance of postoperative mobilization. Early patient involvement would thus help develop their sense of self-efficacy and promote behavioral change toward a more active lifestyle suited to their health status. Consequently, maintaining physical activity after surgery and in the post-cancer period-recognized as a factor in secondary and tertiary prevention-would be encouraged.