Abstract
Patients with cancer are at risk for muscular weakness and reduced functional capacity which contributes to debilitating fatigue and depression. The benefits of exercise for cancer patients have not been extensively investigated. PURPOSE To assess the effects of individualized exercise therapy on selected physiological and psychological variables in cancer patients. METHODS 103 cancer patients were studied (75 exercise and 28 usual care). All subjects completed an exercise assessment at baseline and again after 6 months. Subjects were assessed on body fat (%F), pulmonary function (PF), time on treadmill (TOT), predicted VO2max (PVO2), range of motion (ROM), muscular strength (MS), muscular endurance (ME), flexibility (FLEX), fatigue (F), and depression (D). Subjects in the exercise group participated in a personalized exercise intervention that included cardiovascular, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility activities. Each subject was trained by a cancer rehabilitation exercise specialist 2–3 times per week while the non-exercise group received usual care. RESULTS Significant (p <.05) exercise improvements were found following the 6-month intervention in PVO2, TOT, ME, and ROM. Significant (p <.05) decreases were found for F and D. Additionally, after the 6-month personalized exercise program, significant (p <.05) improvements were observed for TOT, PVO2, and D when compared to the usual care group. CONCLUSION The results suggest that individualized exercise intervention improves cardiovascular function and reduces depression and fatigue in cancer patients. Thus it appears that personalized exercise prescription is a valid means to enhance the quality of life of cancer patients.
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