Energy Through Motion^©: An Evidence-Based Exercise Program to Reduce Cancer-Related Fatigue and Improve Quality of Life

Background: Evidence supports addressing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) with activity. Activity promotion is feasible during and following cancer treatment and improves patient outcomes.

Objectives: This project provided an evidence-based activity program for adult cancer survivors after treatment to reduce CRF and improve quality of life.

Methods: The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care guided development of the activity promotion evidence-based practice project. This included evidence review, creation of an evidence-based activity intervention, and evaluation of the practice change. Two groups participated in the project; one group, the usual care group, provided baseline data and received “usual” instructions for activity, fatigue, and sleep, whereas the Energy Through Motion^© (ETM) activity group received a three-month activity intervention with prepackaged ETM kits and follow-up phone calls.

Findings: Patients in the ETM activity group had increased activity levels, whereas those in the usual care group had decreased activity levels. Fatigue levels in the ETM activity group decreased, and quality of life improved. This project supports nurse-led activity promotion as useful in addressing CRF and feasible for use in a busy clinical setting.