Effect of Physiotherapeutic Exercises on Fatigue and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy reports cancer-related fatigue(CRF), which impairs their aerobic capacity and quality of life (QOL). Aim: To study the effect of physiotherapeutic exercises on fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients. Setting and Design: Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional ethical committee. The cancer patients visiting affiliated cancer rehabilitation centers at Alandi were assessed by oncologist and referred for physiotherapy. The patients were evaluated for fatigue and quality of life (Total 64 patients). Patient satisfying inclusion criteria and who willing to participate in study were recruited and further randomly allotted in two groups using Random sampling method. Methods and Material: Experimental group (Group A, n=25) received home based aerobic exercise program for 3 days/week for 4 weeks whereas control group (Group B, n=25) received the individually tailored walking program. Pre and post treatment analysis was recorded using Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and SF-36 Questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: The Analysed Data showed normal distribution using Shapro-Wilk test, hence parametric Whitney Rank Sum Test was performed to analyse the data within the groups. Result: Total 50 patients participated in study. Between group comparisons; group A (n=25, mean age= 44.40±9.92) showed extremely significant (p<0.0001), improvement in Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) in pre (44.56 ± 9.36) to post intervention (35.16±7.526) than group B(n=25, mean age=51.76±13.47) in pre (44.24 ±8.57) to post intervention (50.68±7.034).As well Quality of life of cancer patients underwent treatment has been significantly improved (p<0.0001) in group A (pre= 62 to post=67.52) than group B (pre=.63.94 to post=63.08). Conclusion: It is concluded that aerobic training showed greater impact on fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients.