The Effects of a Comprehensive Exercise Program on Physical Function, Fatigue, and Mood in Patients With Various Types of Cancer

Purpose/Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive exercise program consisting of low-to-moderate intensity aerobic and resistance exercise twice a week for 16 sessions with patients in active treatment and cancer survivors beyond treatment related to improvements in physical function, fatigue, and mood.

Design: Retrospective analysis of archived data.

Setting: Cancer center in a 350-bed teaching hospital in east central Indiana.

Sample: 39 patients with cancer and cancer survivors who voluntarily completed a 16-session comprehensive exercise program.

Methods: Physical function, fatigue, and mood were evaluated using the six-minute-walk test, Profile of Mood States questionnaire, and Piper Fatigue Scale questionnaire pre- and postprogram. The program consisted of low-to-moderate aerobic and resistance exercise, education, and support twice weekly.

Main Research Variables: Physical function, fatigue, and mood.

Findings: Pre- and postprogram outcome measures had significant differences (p < 0.05). Participants had significant improvements in physical function, fatigue, and mood.

Conclusions: A comprehensive exercise program consisting of low-to-moderate intensity aerobic and resistance exercise, education, and support twice a week for eight weeks results in significant improvements in physical function, fatigue, and mood in patients in active treatment and cancer survivors beyond treatment.

Implications for Nursing: The comprehensive exercise program is feasible for many institutions using current resources and collaborating among departments to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of fatigue and improve quality of life for cancer survivors with a variety of diagnoses and stages.