Mock, V., Dow, K. H., Meares, C. J., Grimm, P. M., Dienemann, J. A., Haisfield-Wolfe, M. E., . . . Gage, I. (1997). Effects of exercise on fatigue, physical functioning, and emotional distress during radiation therapy for breast cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 24, 991–1000.
A self-paced, progressive, home-based exercise program (walking exercise versus usual care) was used. Individualized walking was based on age, level of fitness, and history of exercise. The program was a brisk, incremental, 20- to 30-minute walk, followed by a 5-minute slow walking cool-down, four to five times per week for six weeks. Outcomes were exercise, fatigue, physical functioning, emotional distress, and sleep.
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
The study used a two-group, controlled, pre-/posttest experimental design.
Women who exercised regularly reported less difficulty sleeping than the control group.
Caution: maintain safety while exercising.