Abstract
The general aim of this thesis was to investigate whether a patient’s physical function could be estimated more accurately with objective measurements of physical activity and fitness. More specifically, the first aim was to investigate whether measurements of physical activity and fitness in patients with cancer could be improved. Furthermore, the second aim was to identify patients at risk for physical inactivity and low levels of physical fitness. And the third and last aim was to identify predictors for early trial discontinuation in early phase oncology trials and whether smartphone measurements of physical activity and fitness might improve the selection of eligible patients for these trials. Herewith, this thesis provided knowledge on the added value of measuring physical activity and fitness objectively to estimate a patient’s physical function.
Chapter 2 presents the results of the analysis of the association between patient-reported outcomes of physical function and objective measurements of physical activity and fitness. Chapter 3 evaluates the agreement between a physical activity questionnaire and accelerometer assessed physical activity. Chapter 4 presents the feasibility, validity and reliability of objective smartphone measurements of physical activity and fitness in patients with cancer. Chapter 5 identifies demographic, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates of low levels of physical activity, fitness and function in newly-diagnosed patients with head and neck cancer. Chapter 6 investigates predictors of early trial discontinuation in patients with cancer participating in phase I clinical trials. Chapter 7 explores whether smartphone measurements of physical activity and fitness are predictive for early trial discontinuation in patients with cancer participating in phase I and II clinical trials. Finally, Chapter 8 summarizes the main findings of this thesis, discusses the methodological considerations and provides clinical implications and directions for future research.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Dr. |
Awarding Institution |
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Award date | 18 Jun 2021 |
Print ISBNs | 9789464213171 |
Publication status | Published - 18 Jun 2021 |