Effects of an endurance and resistance exercise program on persistent cancer-related fatigue after treatment.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Fatigue is a relevant problem of cancer patients during and after treatment. Several studies have shown that exercise can improve quality of life and functional status of cancer patients undergoing chemo- or radiotherapy. However, there is a lack of information about the effects of this intervention on persistent cancer-related fatigue. Therefore, we assessed the effects of an exercise program on cancer-related fatigue after treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A consecutive series of 32 cancer patients with mild to severe persistent fatigue [scores on the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) > 25] participated in a 3-week exercise program consisting of endurance (30 min walking on a treadmill) and resistance/coordination exercises for the major muscle groups. Fatigue, mood, and anxiety were assessed with questionnaires and physical performance with a stress test before and after the program.

RESULTS:

At the end of the program, we observed a significant increase of physical performance (workload at the anaerobic threshold pre 61 +/- 26 W, post 78 +/- 31 W, P < 0.0001) and reduction of global fatigue (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: pre 45.7 +/- 13.4, post 52.6 +/- 12.4, P < 0.0001; BFI: pre 37.9 +/- 18.3, post 31.2 +/-17.1, P < 0.001). However, no significant improvement of cognitive fatigue or reduction of anxiety was observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

A 3-week exercise program leads to a substantial improvement of physical performance and reduction of mental and physical fatigue in cancer patients after treatment. However, this intervention does not affect depression, anxiety, or cognitive fatigue.

• Authors: F Dimeo, S Schwartz, N Wesel, A Voigt, E Thiel
• Journal: Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology (Ann Oncol) Vol. 19 Issue 8 Pg. 1495-1499 (Aug 2008) ISSN: 1569-8041 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18381369 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Exercise Therapy (methods)
• Fatigue (etiology, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasms (complications, therapy)
• Physical Endurance