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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 9/2017

Open Access 01-09-2017 | Original Article

Physiotherapy programme reduces fatigue in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care: randomized controlled trial

Authors: Anna Pyszora, Jacek Budzyński, Agnieszka Wójcik, Anna Prokop, Małgorzata Krajnik

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 9/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common and relevant symptom in patients with advanced cancer that significantly decreases their quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physiotherapy programme on CRF and other symptoms in patients diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Methods

The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients diagnosed with advanced cancer receiving palliative care were randomized into two groups: the treatment group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). The therapy took place three times a week for 2 weeks. The 30-min physiotherapy session included active exercises, myofascial release and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques. The control group did not exercise. The outcomes included Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and satisfaction scores.

Results

The exercise programme caused a significant reduction in fatigue scores (BFI) in terms of severity of fatigue and its impact on daily functioning. In the control group, no significant changes in the BFI were observed. Moreover, the physiotherapy programme improved patients’ general well-being and reduced the intensity of coexisting symptoms such as pain, drowsiness, lack of appetite and depression. The analysis of satisfaction scores showed that it was also positively evaluated by patients.

Conclusion

The physiotherapy programme, which included active exercises, myofascial release and PNF techniques, had beneficial effects on CRF and other symptoms in patients with advanced cancer who received palliative care. The results of the study suggest that physiotherapy is a safe and effective method of CRF management.
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Metadata
Title
Physiotherapy programme reduces fatigue in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care: randomized controlled trial
Authors
Anna Pyszora
Jacek Budzyński
Agnieszka Wójcik
Anna Prokop
Małgorzata Krajnik
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3742-4

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