Exercise Improves Daily Fatigue Scores for Advanced (StageIV) Cancer Patients

Abstract

Exercise can help to ameliorate the profound fatigue that often accompanies cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated the impact of supervised exercise programs on fatigue in early stage cancers. The role of exercise in the palliative management of late stage cancers has not been well denned. PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a supervised exercise intervention on the daily fatigue scores of advanced (stage IV) cancer survivors still receiving treatment. METHODS: 9 stage IV cancer survivors 2 men and 7 women, (mean age 52+13 years and mean VO2max 22.37 ±14.73mlkg−1·min−1) participated in an individualized cancer exercise program. All participants were involved in treatment for late stage cancer. Diagnoses included breast, cervical, lung, ovarian, testicular, and peritoneal cancer. Initial medical evaluations included a thorough medical history, Karnofsky Score, Berg Balance Score, VO2max, muscle endurance, Beck depression Score, Piper Fatigue Scale, weight, and BMI. Each patient had an individualized exercise prescription for each session. These were one hour in length and included aerobic conditioning, resistance training, core strengthening, flexibility and balance activities. Fatigue scores were recorded pre and post exercise using a standard 10 point fatigue scale. RESULTS: Pre and Post Fatigue scores were recorded for 188 exercise sessions. Pre Exercise Fatigue Scores were 3.91 ±5.6. Post Exercise Fatigue Scores were 1.53±4.47. Significant decreases (P <0.05) were seen in the fatigue scores following the exercise intervention. CONCLUSION: A medically supervised exercise program is an effective way to manage cancer related fatigue in Stage IV cancer survivors undergoing cancer treatment.