ISEO – Inaugural Conference July 22nd & 23rd 2026 - organized by DKFZ

Demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors associated with accelerometer-based physical activity in patients with head and neck cancer: a prospective cohort study

23 Jul 2026, 11:45

1h 15m

Heidelberg Congress Center ( Heidelberg Congress Center )

1 - Scientific Poster Poster Session

Speaker

Dr Caroline Speksnijder (UMC Utrecht)

Description

Abstract
Background
Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) typically show low levels of physical activity (PA) due to disease- and treatment-related effects.
Objective
To objectively assess changes in PA and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from HNC diagnosis up to two years post-treatment, and to identify demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors associated with PA and MVPA levels and their trajectories.
Methods
This study used data from the prospective NET-QUBIC cohort. PA was measured using a waist-worn accelerometer (ActiGraph-wGT3X) before treatment and at 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-treatment. Linear mixed models were used to examine changes in PA (counts/minute) and MVPA (minutes/day) over time, and to assess associated patient characteristics.
Results
Of the 737 included patients, 517 completed at least one PA measurement. Multivariable analyses showed no independent overall time effect. However, alcohol use and sex showed time-dependent associations with PA and MVPA. Alcohol users were more active at baseline, but their activity declined to levels comparable to non-users at later time points. Females had higher levels of PA at baseline, but males consistently had higher levels of PA and MVPA after treatment. Comorbidities, smoking, and older age were significantly associated with lower PA and MVPA. A WHO performance score of one or two was associated with lower PA.
Conclusion
PA and MVPA did not significantly change over time, but trajectories differed by alcohol use and sex. Smoking, comorbidities, older age, and a WHO performance score of one or two were consistently associated with lower activity levels. Our findings suggest that patients with HNC engage in less PA and MVPA compared to other populations with cancer.
Clinical impact
These findings highlight the urgent need for early and sustained rehabilitation programs and may inform risk profiles which could help clinicians determine the focus and intensity of these programs.

Keywords

Head and Neck Neoplasms, Physical activity, Accelerometer, Physical Fitness