Exercise Prehabilitation for Locoregional Esophageal Cancer

Exercise Prehabilitation for Locoregional Esophageal Cancer: A Pilot Study

The purpose of the study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of exercise "prehabilitation" for patients preparing for esophageal cancer resection (removal).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Biopsy-proven locoregional esophageal cancer (LEC)
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2
• Treatment plan including neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and surgical resection
• Ability to read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Regular engagement in resistance training (2x/week targeting all major muscle groups)
• Screen failure for exercise safety based on PAR-Q
• Underlying unstable cardiac or pulmonary disease or symptomatic cardiac disease
• Recent fracture or acute musculoskeletal injury that precludes ability to participate in resistance training safely
• Numeric pain rating scale of 7 or more out of 10
• Myopathic or rheumatologic disease that impacts physical function