The effect of a multidimensional exercise programme on symptoms and side-effects in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: the use of semi-structured diaries

Christina Andersen, Lis Adamsen, Tom Møller, Julie Midtgaard Klausen, Morten Quist, Anders Tveteraas, Mikael Rahbek Rørth

46 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-week intervention with structured physical activity, relaxation, body-awareness techniques and massage on the symptoms/side-effects of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study was prospective and exploratory, and 54 patients completed assessments for all 6 weeks of the intervention. In order to obtain a continuous record of side-effects, a diary was developed for the patients' use throughout the intervention. The patients scored their symptoms/side-effects on a scale from 0 to 4, using the Common Toxicity Criteria and reported these scores in questionnaires. Twelve possible symptoms/side-effects were registered daily: lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, paraesthesia, constipation, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, treatment-related fatigue, muscle pain, arthralgia and other pain. During the intervention a decrease in the scoring for 10 out of the 12 side-effects was found. Statistical significance was observed in the pain score (P=0.046) and the arbitrary-derived sum of the scores for symptoms and side-effects (P=0.036) respectively. Patients with evidence of disease (n=26) had significantly higher levels of symptoms/side-effects than patients with no evidence of disease (n=28) (P=0.027). The results indicate that a six weeks multidimensional exercise intervention undertaken by cancer patients with or without residual disease while undergoing chemotherapy can lead to a reduction in treatment-related symptoms.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Oncology Nursing
Volume10
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)247-262
Number of pages16
ISSN1462-3889
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Keywords

  • Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
  • Patient diary
  • Cancer
  • Chemotherapy
  • Symptoms
  • Side-effects
  • Physical activity

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