Andersen, C., Adamsen, L., Moeller, T., Midtgaard, J., Quist, M., Tveteraas, A., & Rorth, M. (2006). The effect of a multidimensional exercise programme on symptoms and side-effects in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy—The use of semi-structured diaries. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 10(4), 247-262.
To evaluate the effect of a multidimensional exercise program on managing symptoms in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Patients receiving chemotherapy participated in a structured, supervised exercise program, consisting of resistance-fitness training, massage, relaxation, and body-awareness training held in a workout room within the hospital, two to three times per week for a six-week period. Participants trained in mixed groups of seven to nine. Physiotherapists and a specially trained nurse, who participated in the physical training, supervised the program. Participants selected a total package of high or low intensity physical activity. They were not able select one activity over another.
The study was conducted at university outpatient and inpatient settings in Denmark.
This was a prospective, exploratory study.
Using semi-structured diaries, patients rated 12 symptoms, including lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, paraesthesia, constipation, physical fatigue, treatment-related fatigue, muscle pain, arthralgia, and other pain, defined by Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) daily using a 0-4 scale.
A six-week, multidimensional exercise intervention administered while patients were simultaneously receiving chemotherapy led to reductions in symptoms.