Impact of Chemotherapy on Motor–Cognitive Dual-Task Performance in Strength and Mobility Tests

TL;DR

Chemotherapy affects both physical strength and cognitive performance in cancer patients, as shown by dual-task testing.

Contribution

This study explores the impact of chemotherapy on motor-cognitive performance using functional strength tests.

Findings

Cancer patients showed significant declines in strength and mobility during dual-task conditions.

Greater dual-task costs were observed in the Arm Curl Test for cognitive and success outcomes.

The study highlights the need for integrated motor-cognitive rehabilitation strategies for cancer patients.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chemotherapy often leads to persistent physical and cognitive impairments, and while the dual-task paradigm is a sensitive tool for detecting such deficits, its application to functional strength in oncology remains largely unexplored. Methods: This cross-sectional study, while not designed to establish causality, included 44 participants including cancer patients (11 undergoing chemotherapy and 15 post-treatment survivors) and healthy controls. Functional fitness was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test battery under single- and dual-task conditions. The dual-task condition incorporated a cognitive subtraction task, and the dual-task cost was calculated. Group comparisons were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA with effect sizes reported (p < 0.05). Results: Within-group comparisons showed that the cancer group exhibited reduced performance from the single- to the dual-task condition, with significant declines in strength and mobility (Chair Stand Test, p = 0.011; Timed Up and Go, p < 0.001). Greater dual-task costs were observed in the Arm Curl Test for cognitive (p = 0.005) and success (p = 0.004) outcomes. Conclusions: Dual-task testing revealed greater impairments in cancer patients and survivors, supporting the impact of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment and highlighting the need for integrated motor–cognitive rehabilitation strategies. Further research is warranted in this field, employing larger sample sizes and stratified analyses by specific cancer types, and including a spectrum of complexity in the cognitive task to characterize the effects of cancer and its treatment on motor–cognitive integration.