Effect of Task Oriented Approach on Cancer Related Fatigue and Functional Capacity among Subjects with Blood Leukaemia

Abstract

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide.19.3 million new cases and 10.3 milliondeaths from cancer were reported worldwide. Cancer-related fatigue (CFR) has a complicated aetiology. Fatiguehas a more detrimental influence on daily tasks and quality of life (QoL) than other ailments like pain or grief. Thisstudy aimed to determine the effect of task oriented approach on cancer related fatigue and functional capacityamong subjects with blood leukaemia.Methods: A randomised, clinical trial was conducted with a total of 30 blood cancer survivors. Subjects wererandomised into a radiation therapy group (RT group) (n=15) and non-radiation therapy group (NRT group)(n=15). Both groups included a task oriented approach for 1section/day, 5 days /week for 4 weeks. The mainoutcome was fatigue as assessed by the Brief fatigue inventory, Other evaluated outcomes were functional capacityand Quality of life measured using 6 minute walk test and EORTC QLQ C30 (Version 3) . Data were collected atbaseline and post-intervention.Result: There is a significant improvement in both group in cancer related fatigue after the intervention, twogroups, non-radiation group show much better improvement comparing to participants under radiation with amean difference of 3.4 in Brief Fatigue Inventory, 5.93 in 6 minute walk test, 16.46 in EORTC QLQ C30 (Version 3).Conclusion: It has been concluded that Task oriented approach has better effect on reducing the fatigue caused bycancer and enhancing the functional capacity, quality of life among blood leukaemia individuals. Participants whoare not under radiation therapy have better prognosis than participants under radiation therapy