This trial studies how well physical therapy and progressive muscle relaxation works in improving physical performance and mood in older patients with stage IIIA-B or IV lung cancer who are undergoing treatment. Improving physical performance and mood may help older patients maintain an independent lifestyle by helping to improve their resilience, the ability to bounce back to normal functioning after a stressor or intervening health event such as treatment or disease progression. Giving physical therapy and progressive muscle relaxation may work in improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with lung cancer.
I. To assess the feasibility of a novel, weekly supervised virtual health-assisted physical therapy plus relaxation intervention delivered to older adults with advanced thoracic malignancy (N=20).
OUTLINE:
Patients participate physical therapy sessions consisting of cardiovascular and resistance training exercises in person or online and also undergo progressive muscle relaxation sessions once weekly for up to 12 weeks.
After completion of study therapy, patients are followed up at 24 weeks, and then periodically for up to 24 months.
Diagnosed with advanced lung cancer: unresectable stage IIIA, IIIB, or stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Intent to receive treatment from the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) Thoracic Oncology Clinic. Willingness to participate and adhere to the study intervention program. Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent document (or indicate approval or disapproval by another means).
Exclusion Criteria:
Prisoners are excluded from participation. There is NO exclusion criteria pertaining to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, laboratory values, prior cancer diagnoses, presence of comorbidities or brain metastases.
