Oncology Physical Therapy Research Articles

A Scoping Review of Physical Therapy Interventions for Childhood Cancers.

Purpose: Children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment are at high risk of developing serious adverse effects, many of which respond to physical therapy (PT). This scoping review aims to (1) outline the state of the research involving PT for children with cancer and (2) identify gaps in the literature for future research. Method: From January 2002 to October 2017, we conducted electronic searches of three major databases and conference proceedings and checked references of screened articles. Results: A total of 12 articles were included in the review: one randomized controlled trial, one pilot randomized trial, five pilot or feasibility studies, two prospective studies, one case series, one case report, and one retrospective study. The research to date supports the feasibility of PT interventions for children with cancer, but the current evidence is not yet at a level to inform clinical practice. To better elucidate treatment protocols and assess their benefits for tumour-specific impairments, research needs to examine the effects of PT on specific impairments or for specific cancer tumour types. Conclusions: Collaborative efforts to conduct multi-centre trials are needed to further the field of paediatric oncology PT.

Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy EDGE Task Force: A Systematic Review of Measures of Balance in Adult Cancer Survivors

Background and Purpose: Balance impairments are prevalent in adult cancer survivors, leading to increased fall risk and reduced quality of life. To identify survivors in need of balance and fall interventions and to track change with intervention, health care providers need measures with sound psychometric properties and high clinical utility. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify reliable, valid, and clinically useful measures of balance impairments in adult cancer survivors. Secondary purposes were to obtain minimal detectable change of identified balance measures and to determine use of measures to evaluate fall risk. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to assess psychometric properties and clinical utility of balance measures identified from the literature search. Two reviewers in a team independently extracted data from articles and evaluated cumulative evidence for each balance measure using the Cancer EDGE Task Force Outcome Measure Rating Form. Results: The search located 187 articles, with 54 articles retained for quality assessment of balance measures. The Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale and gait speed were highly recommended (rated 4). Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Timed Up and Go, and Five Times Sit to Stand were recommended (rated 3). Limitations: Selection bias is possible. Samples and settings across reviewed studies were widely heterogeneous. Conclusions: We recommend 5 balance measures for use in adult cancer survivors. Future research with existing balance measures should establish norms, responsiveness, and predictive validity for fall risk, while expanding to focus on imbalance in midlife survivors. Patient-reported outcome measures are needed for cancer-related imbalance.

2018 Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy Award Recipients

2018 Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy Award Recipients

Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy EDGE Task Force on Cancer: A Systematic Review of Outcome Measures for Pain in Children

Background: Children with cancer can experience pain throughout their clinical course. Accurate assessment of pain can lead to more effective pain management. Purpose: To identify outcome measures used to assess pain in children and to appraise each tool based on psychometric properties, clinical utility, and application to pediatric oncology. Methods: The authors searched 3 electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS), using specific search terms to identify measures used to evaluate pain in children with cancer. Of the 956 articles found, 270 were reviewed and 17 measures were identified for further assessment. Each outcome measure was reviewed by 2 independent reviewers, who then ranked each measure using the 4-point Cancer EDGE Task Force Outcome Measure Rating Scale. Discrepancies were discussed to reach consensus. Results: The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is highly recommended (4). The Oucher Pain Scale, Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool, and Pieces of Hurt Assessment Tool/Poker Chip Tool are recommended (3). Six additional tools are deemed reasonable to use (2) and 7 tools are not recommended (1). Conclusions: Based on clinical utility, psychometric properties, and application to children with oncologic diseases, 4 outcome measures are recommended for the assessment of pain in children with a diagnosis of cancer.

Oncology Section* CSM 2017 Platform and Poster Presentations

*The Research Committee of the Oncology Section has completed the peer-review process and has selected 16 platform presentations and 21 poster presentations focusing on key issues in oncology physical therapy. Posters will be on display during Exhibit Hall hours; refer to the CSM link at the on-site program to determine when authors will be available for discussion of their work. An alphabetical list (by title) of platform presentations and poster sessions follows. Full abstracts will be available at the APTA CSM link at http://apta.org, on the Oncology Sections' Web site at http://www.oncologypt.org/, and on the Journal's Web site at http://journals.lww.com/rehaboncology.

Geração de trabalho e renda como estratégia de Promoção da Saúde: o caso das mulheres mastectomizadas em Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brasil

Resumo O tema abordado neste artigo é a geração de trabalho e renda de mulheres mastectomizadas. Surgiu a partir da necessidade da reorientação das práticas de saúde desenvolvidas em um ambulatório de fisioterapia em mastologia oncológica de um município da baixada fluminense do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, baseada na Promoção da Saúde. Diante do dilema de que a maioria das mulheres possuía condições físicas para exercerem uma atividade laborativa, porém não eram absorvidas pelo mercado de trabalho devido às sequelas da cirurgia e as mudanças na rotina de cuidado pós-mastectomia originou-se um projeto de intervenção, com objetivo de promover o empoderamento dessas mulheres, com vistas ao restabelecimento da sua capacidade produtiva e independência econômica. Embora ainda não tenha sido completamente operacionalizado, espera-se como resultados maior autonomia, aumento do poder aquisitivo, valorização social e reforço do vínculo entre as mulheres e outros atores criando uma rede de apoio. Esses resultados estão em consonância com valores da Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde, como solidariedade, humanização, corresponsabilidade, justiça e inclusão social.

Oncology Section* CSM 2016 Platform and Poster Presentations

* The Research Committee of the Oncology Section has completed the peer-review process and has selected 10 platform presentations and 20 poster presentations focusing on key issues in oncology physical therapy. Posters will be on display during Exhibit Hall hours; refer to the CSM link at onsite program to determine when authors will be available for discussion of their work.

Patient and provider perceptions about exercise in cancer care, excluding breast: Are we on the same page?

238 Background: Cancer organizations recommend physical activity as part of therapy to aid in symptom management, reduce recurrence and improve overall quality of life. What the optimal exercise program should look like and what stakeholder barriers exist are unclear. Methods: We convened three focus groups, one with metastatic patients, one with non-metastatic patients, one with the providers in the Cancer Center and conducted individual interviews at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The constant comparative method was used to identify themes about exercise as part of cancer treatment. Results: No statistical differences in demographic characteristics exist between metastatic (N = 9) and non-metastatic (N = 11) patients. Impacts of exercise on cancer, who should instruct patients about exercise and how/where the exercise should take place emerged as the main themes. Discordance between patients and providers (N = 10) was identified in these areas. Patients felt that exercise during treatment provided intrinsic value (“Exercise mentally is important”) whereas providers connect exercise to positive disease outcome (“There are decreased recurrence rates for multiple different malignancies that have been proven in large studies”). Patients resoundingly expressed a desire to receive instructions for exercise from their oncologist (“I rely a lot on my oncologist...they are tuned into you”). Providers expressed a desire for a referral process to a cancer trained physical therapist or trainer who would guide patients through an exercise program (“to have assistance from someone who is trained… would be really beneficial”). Conclusions: Providers recognize the importance of exercise as part of a cancer treatment plan, yet they agree that time constraints associated with a busy practice impacts the priority of exercise instructions. Bridging the gap we identified between patient and providers’ perceptions has potential for cancer care across the nation. We plan to further study the discord after designing standard exercise recommendations at varied levels of intensity through collaboration with oncology providers, physical therapy and Livestrong personnel utilizing venues in our region.

Editorʼs Message Endings and Beginnings: New Paradigms in Oncology Physical Therapy and Survivorship

Editorʼs Message Endings and Beginnings: New Paradigms in Oncology Physical Therapy and Survivorship

Editorʼs Message Business as Usual in Oncology Physical Therapy and Survivorship?

Editorʼs Message Business as Usual in Oncology Physical Therapy and Survivorship?

Are Physical Therapists in West Virginia Prepared to Manage the Rehabilitation Needs of Women Following Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer and its treatment are major health issues for women in West Virginia. Obtaining appropriate rehabilitation services following mastectomy may be difficult, due to lack of awareness of patients and/or health care providers of the need for such services or due to lack of knowledge of appropriate treatment by physical therapists. Purpose: To determine the knowledge level of physical therapists in West Virginia regarding appropriate rehabilitation for women with breast cancer who have undergone modified radical mastectomy. Methods: A systematic sample of 520 physical therapists licensed in West Virginia was mailed a multiple-choice format quiz and a demographic survey. Topics addressed in the quiz were impact of medical/surgical cancer treatment on mobility, precautions for physical therapy treatments, therapeutic exercise needs, and patient education needs. The quiz was created by the authors and face validated by oncology physical therapy experts. Demographic information included type of practice setting, population of practice, degree obtained, and years of practice. Initial and follow-up mailings were sent to the sample, resulting in 192 responses. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences in percent correct score based on sex, total years of experience, practice setting, population size, and experience with the patient population. Results: Mean correct score on the quiz was 82% (range 57-100%). Items most often answered correctly were in the areas of patient education and therapeutic exercise. Items most often answered incorrectly were in the areas of modality use, medication effects, and lymphedema. Significant differences in how well respondents scored were seen by sex, entry level degree, and practice setting. Conclusions: Physical therapists in West Virginia have the prerequisite knowledge to provide therapeutic exercise and patient education for women who have had modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. However, knowledge is lacking regarding the medical and surgical treatment effects and how these impact the physical therapy plan of care. This information can be used in order to provide targeted education to physical therapists and improve patient access to appropriately knowledgeable providers.

The Use of Mobilization, Muscle Energy Technique, and Soft Tissue Mobilization Following a Modified Radical Neck Dissection of a Patient with Head and Neck Cancer

Background and Purpose: A surgical procedure commonly performed for many patients with head and neck cancer is a modified radical neck dissection. The use of therapeutic interven­ tion postoperatively has been shown to be beneficial; however, documented use of manual therapy techniques (ie, mobilization, muscle energy technique (MET), and soft tissue mobilization) in these cases is limited. The purpose of this case report is to describe and demonstrate the benefits of using manual therapy techniques following a modified radical neck dissection of a patient with head and neck cancer. Case Description: A 49­year­old man completed 3 weeks of physical therapy following a modified radical neck dissection due to head and neck cancer. The patient reported pain, decreased cervical mobility, and function at baseline. Outcomes: The patient experienced a 12 point reduction in the Neck Disability Index at discharge and 30 point reduction at 4 month follow­up. Subjective pain levels improved from 3/10 to 0/10. Cervical mobil­ ity increased by 7°­20° in most ranges and strength of scapular muscles improved from 4+/5 to 5/5. The patient was able to return to work without limitation. Discussion: The patient described in this case report experienced less pain and improved physical func­ tion and outcome measure scores after intervention and 4 month follow­up. Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization, muscle energy technique, and soft tissue mobilization were safely and effectively applied to this patient with head and neck cancer. Randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these manual interventions following a modified radical neck dissection of a patient with head and neck cancer.

As práticas do cuidar na oncologia: a experiência da fisioterapia em pacientes com câncer de mama

A fisioterapia oncológica precoce vem desempenhando um importante papel na prevenção e minimização dos efeitos adversos do tratamento do câncer de mama, que acomete um grande número de mulheres. A fisioterapia reduz os riscos de complicações e pode restaurar a integridade cinético-funcional de órgãos e sistemas. A fisioterapia oncológica, ao enfatizar os caminhos da prevenção, tem ampliado a atuação do fisioterapeuta e consolidado seu espaço legítimo no campo médico, complementando as habilidades e competências adquiridas nos últimos anos. A prevenção de problemas e a promoção da saúde estão hoje entre as principais atribuições do fisioterapeuta e devem estar presentes em todas as fases do câncer de mama, do diagnóstico ao tratamento e aos cuidados paliativos.

Oncology Physical Therapy Research: Investigations and Strategies for Clinicians

This article is the second in a 2-part series written by the Research Committee of the Oncology Section, APTA that introduces the various aspects of rehabilitation research and the need to address quality of life issues in cancer survivors. Part I: (1) provided justification for physical therapy research, (2) encouraged the reader to generate the research question, and (3) offered suggestions for completing a literature search. Part II will assist the researcher conducting clinical trials in various cancer populations by: (1) assisting with selection of an appropriate research design, (2) planning the research process and methodology, (3) providing attention to research ethics, and (4) aiding in strategies for attainment of resources and funding. The intent of this series is to expand clinicians' research horizons and assist with facilitating clinical research in oncology settings. Part I focused on the development of the research question and the importance of a systematic literature search. This introduction reviews the types of research designs available to answer the proposed research question and provides examples in the oncology literature. Through an understanding of the various types of research strategies one can ascertain the best plan in the design of oncology research.

Oncology Physical Therapy Research: A Need for Collaboration and the Quest for Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors

This is a 2-part series written by the Research Committee of the Oncology Section, APTA that introduces the various aspects of rehabilitation research and the need to address quality of life issues in all survivors of a cancer diagnosis. Part I will provide justification for physical therapy research, prompt the reader to generate the research question, and offer suggestions for completing a literature search. Part II will assist the researcher in the design, execution of a research endeavor, and strategies for attaining resources for funding to conduct clinical trials in various cancer populations. It is the intent of this series to assist and expand horizons for clinicians in oncology settings.

NOMINATION FORM: Application for The Award for Research in Oncology Physical Therapy of the Oncology Section, American Physical Therapy Association

NOMINATION FORM: Application for The Award for Research in Oncology Physical Therapy of the Oncology Section, American Physical Therapy Association

Application for the Award for Research In Oncology Physical Therapy of the Oncology Section, American Physicial Therapy Association

Application for the Award for Research In Oncology Physical Therapy of the Oncology Section, American Physicial Therapy Association

Draft Definition of Oncology Physical Therapy:

Draft Definition of Oncology Physical Therapy:

Draft Definition of Oncology Physical Therapy:

Draft Definition of Oncology Physical Therapy: