Abstract
It has been widely recognized that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation report fatigue and other treatment related symptoms. Though cancer related fatigue symptoms vary among patients, similar decreases in overall quality of life may be the result of alterations in physiological variables known to be influenced by exercise. It has been demonstrated that cancer patients are able to tolerate exercise both during and following treatment. Several studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise can be an effective strategy for improving functional capacity and decreasing fatigue in cancer patients. However, studies have not investigated the effects of different amounts of endurance exercise on fatigue perception in this population. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine if amount of aerobic exercise influences selected physiological parameters and perception of fatigue in cancer patients undergoing treatment or who are less than one year post treatment. METHODS: Thirty-three male and female subjects were divided into three groups based on the amount of time that they participated in aerobic activities during an exercise program. Group I had greater than or equal to 50% aerobic work (n = 14), Group II had less than 50% aerobic work (n = 9) in a 24-week exercise intervention program. Group III (control) did not exercise (n = 10). Subjects completed a pre-exercise screening, a fitness assessment, and an individualized 24-week exercise intervention. Post-tests were conducted following the intervention. RESULTS: Group II had a significant increase in predicted VO2max (p = .006) and Group I and II showed significant increases in time on treadmill (p = .001, p = .006 respectively). All groups demonstrated a significant decrease in self reported fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Amount of cardiovascular endurance exercise does not determine the changes in fatigue perception demonstrated by cancer patients in an exercise program. Supported by the University of Northern Colorado
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