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.

• The sample was comprised of 46 females.
• Mean age was 49 years.
• Of the patients, 87% were Caucasian and 72% had stage I breast cancer and were undergoing radiotherapy.

• Two university teaching hospitals
• Instructions were given at the institution, but the intervention was performed at home.
• Southeastern United States

Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.

The study used a two-group, controlled, pre-/posttest experimental design.

• Symptom Assessment Scale (SAS)
• Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS)
• 12-minute walk test
• Sociodemographic information

Women who exercised regularly reported less difficulty sleeping than the control group.

• Only the first patient received random assignment. Subsequent patients were alternately assigned to the usual care or exercise groups.
• A diffusion effect was possible for exercisers in the usual care group.
• The study had a small sample size.
• The study lacked control over the intervention in the home.
• Patients had to adhere to a five-day-a-week regimen.
• Exercise physiologist consultation is needed.
• RNs must be trained in delivering the intervention.
• The study should be supervised by a principal investigator.

Caution:  maintain safety while exercising.