Low-moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercise Improves Quality Of Life Indices And Emotional Distress In Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Cancer diagnosis and treatment is often accompanied by serious physiological and psychological side effects including: decreased aerobic capacity, muscular atrophy, body composition changes, fatigue and depression. These side effects can greatly reduce the quality of life (QOL) and increase emotional distress in cancer survivors. QOL can be defined as overall wellbeing and satisfaction with life, and encompasses the physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellbeing. Exercise has been shown to be a useful tool in improving QOL in those rehabilitating from cancer treatment. However, the extent to which specific indices of QOL and measures of emotional distress are affected by exercise participation in cancer patients is unclear. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine which aspects of QOL and measures of emotional distress change as a result of aerobic exercise. METHODS Twenty-nine survivors of cancer (26 Female and 3 male, 40–79 years of age) served as subjects. The subjects performed low to moderate (30–60% heart rate reserve) intensity aerobic exercise, three times a week for ten weeks. The Quality of Life Index for Patients with Cancer was administered to subjects prior to the onset and at the conclusion of the ten weeks of exercise. This scale is composed of 14 items evaluating physical condition, normal activities, and personal attitudes on general quality of life. Additionally, the Linear Analogue Self-Assessment (LASA) Scale was administered to subjects prior to the onset and at the conclusion of the ten weeks of exercise. LASA scale is composed of 6 items measuring fatigue, anxiety, confusion, depression, energy, and anger. RESULTS Overall QOL improved significantly over the 10 week period (p <.001). Improvements in the indices of QOL included: significant improvements in sleep (p <.02), strength (p <.0006), ability to work (p <.007), and worry about cost of medical care (p <.005). The LASA scale showed significant decreases in fatigue (p <.036) and anxiety (p <.004), and an increase in energy (p <.0002). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise positively effects overall QOL, indices of QOL and measures of emotional distress in post-treatment cancer survivors. Programs such as these may be an important tool in the rehabilitation of cancer survivors.