This research aimed to investigate the effects of resistance exercise on symptoms, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Patients were quasi-randomly divided into the resistance exercise group and the relaxation control group, and machine-based resistance exercise was performed twice a week for 12 weeks under the guidance of experienced therapists. The QoL of patients was analyzed by EORTC-QLQ-C30. Resistance exercise training significantly reduced the incidences of lack of energy (inter-group p = 0.011), nausea (inter-group p = 0.007), acid reflux (inter-group p = 0.042), and back pain (inter-group p = 0.0009). Twelve weeks of resistance exercise training significantly elevated the muscular strength of leg press (inter-group p = 0.021) and leg extension (inter-group p = 0.041), and the muscular endurance of leg press (inter-group p = 0.005). The participants' performance in 6-m fast walk (inter-group p = 0.008), 6-m backwards walk (inter-group p = 0.016), and chair rise (inter-group p = 0.031) were dramatically improved. Fatigue (inter-group p = 0.024) and appetite loss (inter-group p = 0.012) in the resistance exercise group were significantly lower than the relaxation control group. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of resistance exercise on symptoms, physical function and QoL in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were demonstrated. Resistance exercise training reduced the incidences of nausea and acid reflux, improved physical function, and alleviated fatigue and appetite loss in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

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