Exercise Effects On Cancer-Related Fatigue

Abstract

Cancer rehabilitation increases functional capacity (FC) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Exercise may have positive effects on cancer symptom severity (CSS) and cancer-related fatigue (CRF). PURPOSE: Examine exercise and cancer rehabilitation programming effects on CRF. METHODS: 8 Cancer survivors (CS) and 2 caregivers (CG) participated in a 12-week (45-60min/session) cancer rehabilitation program (OBU CARES, 2017-2018) at Oklahoma Baptist University. Sessions included a combination of aerobic/anaerobic, resistance training, flexibility, and neuromotor exercises. Modified Bruce ETT, hand grip (HG), Timed Up & Go (TUG), and sit-and-reach (S&R) measured FC. FACIT-SP (v4) evaluated HRQOL. RESULTS: 3 CS and 1 CG completed the program. CS improved FC scores (CS1: TUG=0.56s, ETT=20s, HG=5kg; CS2: TUG=1.0s, ETT=2m 50s, S&R=1cm; CS3: TUG=1.8s, ETT=3m, S&R=3cm). CG1 did not complete post-testing. CS1-3 and CG1 reported enhanced CSS scores (e.g., CRF). CONCLUSION: Exercise may have positive effects on FC and HRQOL. Further study will determine specific effects on CSS and CRF.