Abstract
227 Background: Exercise has shown benefits for cancer prevention and contributes to improved treatment-related outcomes. We reviewed characteristics of cancer patients referred for physical therapist-led exercise counseling at a comprehensive cancer center and its effects on self-reported symptoms and quality of life. Methods: Patients presenting for outpatient exercise counseling from February 2016 to May 2017 completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS; 0-10 scale, 10 most severe) pre/post-encounter and PROMIS10 global health assessment pre-encounter. ESAS individual items and subscales of Physical Distress (PHS), Psychological Distress (PSS), and Global Distress (GDS) were analyzed. We used paired t-tests to compare: (1) ESAS symptoms before and after each encounter and (2) ESAS and PROMIS10 scores at baseline and first follow-up. Results: Of 350 participants, most were female (77.7%), white (66.3%), and had breast (43%) cancer; 31% had at least one follow-up visit with the physical therapist. Symptom scores at baseline (frequency; mean) included poor sleep (68.2%; 3.5), poor well-being (67.4%; 3.2), and fatigue (64.7%; 3.1). Examination of pre- to post-exercise counseling outcomes revealed statistically, and clinically significant improvement in GDS (-3.32, SD 6.52, p<0.001). On follow-up, statistically and clinically significant improvements were observed for ESAS measures of fatigue (-1.22, p=0.01), GDS (-4.81, p=0.01), and PHS (-3.1, p=0.03) and PROMIS10 global health, mental health, and physical health scores (all p’s<0.05). Conclusions: Patients presenting for exercise counseling had a low to moderate symptom burden and experienced significant improvement in global distress after one encounter. Longitudinal evaluation revealed improvement in global health and fatigue. Additional research is needed to learn more about patient selection and timing of exercise counseling interventions.
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