Supplementary Material for: Does Physical Activity Improve Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy?

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Improved cancer treatments have resulted in prolonged survival. Nevertheless, tumor symptoms and side effects still compromise physical activity and quality of life (QoL). <b><i>Patients and Methods:</i></b> We conducted an anonymous survey among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy using standardized questionnaires: the ‘<i>Freiburger Fragebogen zur körperlichen Aktivität</i>' (Freiburg Questionnaire on Physical Activity) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30. Two main questions were addressed: were there differences (1) in physical activity and QoL between patients who do not believe that sport could improve their QoL and those who believe it could (group A vs. B); and (2) in QoL between patients with a total activity (TA) &lt; 18 metabolic equivalent of task (MET) h/week and those with a TA of ≥ 18 MET h/week (group C vs. D)? <b><i>Results:</i></b> 276 of 400 questionnaires were completed. Groups A and B were balanced in terms of baseline characteristics. Group A suffered significantly more from fatigue and pain; group B reported higher levels of global health status (GHS) and TA. Groups C and D differed in gender distribution, age, and educational background. Group D had significantly higher levels of GHS, group C suffered more from fatigue, pain, and appetite loss. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Physical activity correlates with a better QoL of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.