Thorsen, L., Skovlund, E., Stromme, S.B., Hornslien, K., Dahl, A.A., & Fossa, S.D. (2005). Effectiveness of physical activity on cardiorespiratory fitness and health-related quality of life in young and middle-aged cancer patients shortly after chemotherapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23, 2378–2388.

The exercise intervention was a supervised, home-based, flexible training program in young and middle-aged patients with cancer shortly after curative chemotherapy. An exercise instructor designed the training program. The exercise period lasted approximately 14 weeks, with a minimum of two exercise sessions per week of at least 30 minutes. All types of activities were chosen, based on the patients’ wishes and opportunities. The intensity of the exercise was adjusted according to the patient’s subjective experience of tiredness. Data were collected at baseline and at three weeks (approximately 14 weeks).

The study reported on a sample of 111 patients (59 in the intervention group and 52 in the control group).

A randomized controlled trial design was used.

• Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)
• European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality-of-Life Questionnaire
• Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

CRF increased and fatigue scores decreased in the intervention group. There were no significant intergroup differences in mental distress or health-related quality of life. There were no statistically significant decreases in anxiety levels as measured by HADS.

The intervention required an exercise instructor.