Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Fatigue is one of the most distressful symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer. Aromatherapy, footsoak, and reflexology are popular health care modality treatments in Japan, however, the effectiveness of each treatment for cancer-related fatigue has not been fully established. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: RESULTS: Total CFS scores improved significantly after this treatment (from 25.6 +/- 11.0 to 18.1 +/- 10.0, p < 0.001). Among three CFS subscales, physical and cognitive subscale scores were reduced significantly (11.3 +/- 6.1 to 6.7 +/- 6.1, p < 0.001; 4.5 +/- 3.2 to 2.4 +/- 2.4, p < 0.001). No adverse effects were experienced. Because all patients desired to continue this treatment, they received treatment eight times on average. CONCLUSIONS: Combined modality treatment consisting of aromatherapy, footsoak, and reflexology appears to be effective for alleviating fatigue in terminally ill cancer patients. To confirm safety and effectiveness of this combined modality treatment, further investigation including randomized treatment assignment is warranted.
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Authors | Hiroyuki Kohara, Takako Miyauchi, Yoko Suehiro, Hiroshi Ueoka, Hiroyasu Takeyama, Tatsuya Morita |
Journal | Journal of palliative medicine
(J Palliat Med)
Vol. 7
Issue 6
Pg. 791-6
(Dec 2004)
ISSN: 1096-6218 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15684846
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aromatherapy
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Fatigue
(etiology, nursing)
- Female
- Holistic Nursing
(methods)
- Hospital Units
- Humans
- Japan
- Male
- Massage
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasms
(complications, nursing)
- Palliative Care
(methods)
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