Riesenberg, H., & Lübbe, A.S. (2010). In-patient rehabilitation of lung cancer patients—A prospective study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 18, 877–882.
To determine the efficacy of a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program for patients with lung cancer
The program involved physical training with a bicycle ergometer to achieve a target heart rate. No other components of the program were described. Study measures were obtained at baseline and at the end of the program at 28 days.
PHASE OF CARE: Transition phase after active treatment
Quasi-experimental
There were significant reductions in all components of the fatigue scale after the intervention (p < 0.001).
This inpatient exercise program was associated with reduced fatigue.
This study adds to the already large body of evidence supporting the efficacy of exercise for managing fatigue in patients with cancer. The practicality of 28 days of inpatient exercise is questionable.