Effects of Exercise on the Amelioration of Fatigue in Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Aims: To acquire preliminary information in order to assess the efficacy of a university-based exercise program developed to serve members of the community suffering from symptoms associated with cancer fatigue.

Study Design: The pilot study included 35 adult cancer patients who underwent intensive medical screenings to ensure that the exercise program would be appropriate for them. Each participant was assigned an individual student to guide him or her through specific exercises for 8 successive weeks, meeting 3 times per week. At the end of each week, the participants filled out the Fatigue Symptom Inventory, designed to assess cancer-related fatigue on three dimensions – intensity, duration, and interference with daily life.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Health and Human Performance, Health and Wellness Center, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL, USA. Between September, 2012-December, 2014.

Methodology: Each participant had one student (exercise science or pre-occupational therapy) assigned to work with them and guide them through specific exercises. All exercise routines were specially designed by a registered physical therapist who had conducted all evaluations, had previously designed, and implemented the Exercise Fatigue Program. During the workout, a second measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate was recorded. After the workout was complete, the participants participated in a series of stretching activities. Stretching exercises were followed by a third and final measurement of resting blood pressure and pulse rate.

Results: Evidence was found that, among those who remained in the exercise program experienced less intense and shorter duration fatigue levels and reported lower levels of interference in activities of daily living (ADLs) associated with cancer-related fatigue patients.

Conclusion: Supervised exercise regimens adapted to the needs of individual cancer patients show promise in reducing the symptoms associated with cancer-related fatigue. However, because of the limited sample size and participant attrition, the results reported here should be considered preliminary in nature. Further work using a larger sample size with more systematic consideration of possible confounding variables is required in order to validate the program.