van Weert, E., Hoekstra-Weebers, J., Otter, R., Postema, K., Sanderman, R., & van der Schans, C. (2006). Cancer-related fatigue: predictors and effects of rehabilitation. Oncologist, 11, 184–196.

The 15-week, multidimensional rehabilitation program included aerobic bicycle training plus general muscle force training, supervised sports sessions, psychoeducational sessions, and informational classes.

• The sample was comprised of 72 patients (85% female) who were posttreatment.
• Mean age was 51.4 years (standard deviation = 9.6 years).
• Of the patients, 61% were women with breast cancer.
• Patients were included if they
  • Were 18 years or older
  • Had their last cancer treatment greater than three months previously
  • Had an estimated life expectancy of one year or greater 
  • Had an indication for rehabilitation.

• Outpatient
• Center for Rehabilitation in The Netherlands

The study used a pre-/posttest design with measures before and after completion of the program. No control group was used.

• Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI)
• Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL)
• Exercise capacity and muscle force
• Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)

• Of the patients, 77.8% completed the program and were posttest drop-outs.
• Drop-outs had more recurrences.
• There was significant improvement in every dimension of the MFI.
• The greatest effect was on physical fatigue.
• Effect sizes ranged from –0.35 to –0.78.
• There were no differences based on time since treatment.

• The intervention was delivered by an interdisciplinary team, including physical therapists and a psychosocial specialist.
• The role of nursing is unclear and atheoretical.
• Consequences were used as predictors.
• There was no control for overlap in the tools.
• It is not possible to determine which aspects of the intervention were effective.