Prevalence of Functional Deficits and Rehabilitation Needs Among Individuals Receiving Radiation Therapy for Cancer: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Prevalence rates for functional deficits managed through physical therapy (PT) rehabilitation among individuals undergoing radiation for cancer have not been previously described. Purpose/Objective: Determine prevalence rates for each functional deficit category of screening tool. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive design was used to evaluate charts from individuals receiving radiation for cancer that were screened by physical therapists using evidence-based functional assessments. Functional measures included activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADL (IADLs), and acute side effects. Functional deficits described met standards of practice for referral to PT management that included patient education, exercise consultation, and referral to traditional rehabilitation or other health care providers. Settings/Patients: Screenings were performed on 183 of 219 criterion individuals. Physician appointments, work schedules, illness, and transportation issues prevented some individuals from participation. Measurements/Results: Primary cancer diagnoses were lung (27%), breast (17%), prostate (17%), and head and neck (12%). Activity of daily living assistance was required for dressing (10.4%) and bathing (11.5%). Instrumental ADL assistance was required for housework (30.1%), preparing meals (24.6%), and transportation (31.5%). Strength deficits were found in upper extremities (37.4%) and lower extremities (34.4%) while range of motion deficits were only found in upper extremities (40.4%). Individuals reported fatigue (76.6%). pain (58.5%), shortness of breath (42.9%), difficulty sleeping (42.0%), eating problems (36.0%), numbness (27.5%), edema/swelling (27.5%), and cognitive impairments (21.9%). Physical therapy management categories were patient education (90.2%), exercise consultation (39.3%), referrals to traditional PT (27.6%), and to other health care providers (18.0%). Limitations: Screening tools employed validated and reliable tests; however, screening tools as a whole still require reliability and validity testing in this population. Conclusion: Functional deficit prevalence rates and PT management categories were described for individuals during radiation for cancer.