Effect of a Single Light-intensity Walking Session on Sleep Quality of Patients with Bladder Cancer: A Randomized Cross-Over Study

Abstract

ObjectivesExercise has been recommended to enhance sleep. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the relationships between exercise and sleep problems in patients with bladder cancer. The authors explored the effects of a single bout of light-intensity walking on the sleep quality of patients with bladder cancer who have sleep disorders. Data SourcesA total of 14 patients with bladder cancer with sleep disorders were recruited for this trial. The participants were randomly assigned to the walking or control condition in a cross-over design to explore the effects of a single light-intensity walking session on objectively measured sleep quality. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and a nonparametric permutation test were used to examine intervention effects. Twelve participants (85.7%) completed the trial. A significant group × time interaction for sleep latency (P = .023) was identified. The pairwise comparison showed significant results (P = .012) for the difference between the post-test sleep latency and the pre-test. No significant group × time interactions were observed for the remaining seven sleep parameters. Additionally, only the main effects of time on length of awakening and time in bed were significant (P < .001). ConclusionA single bout of light-intensity walking has a positive effect on shortening the sleep latency of patients with bladder cancer who have sleep disorders. Implications for Nursing PracticeOncology nurses can encourage patients with bladder cancer to exercise, even light-intensity walking, which may improve sleep quality.