Implementation of a home based exercise program to reduce functional decline, cancer related fatigue (CRF) and improve quality of life in the elderly gynecologic oncology patient Problem: Can prevention of CRF and loss of function improve QOL in the elderly gynecologic oncology patient undergoing chemotherapy? Support: Fatigue and its impact on QOL is a major concern with the elderly patient receiving chemotherapy. When compared to younger adults QOL is more important than gain in survival for elderly patients. (Eyigor, et al., 2010). The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends exercise as the most effective intervention for cancer related fatigue. Methods: This is a single institution randomized controlled study to evaluate a home based exercise program in elderly gynecologic oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. Subjects will be randomized to the intervention group or to the control group receiving usual care. Intervention group will receive a home exercise program 3 days weekly consisting of 30mins of strength and aerobic activity, utilizing a follow along exercise DVD and patient log to assist with compliance. The two groups will be compared by 1) objective PT assessment with the Berg Balance and 6 minute walk test (before or after) Cycle 1 and 6, 2) subjective nursing assessment with the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) and FACIT- F (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy: Fatigue) prior to Cycle 1 (baseline),4 (midpoint), and following cycle 6 (completion). Conclusion: PT directed home exercise program may improve CRF, functional decline, and QOL in elderly gynecologic oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
8
Subjects randomized to intervention will receive Physical Therapist instructed exercise teaching. They will receive a home exercise DVD and flip ring of exercises. Subjects will be asked to perform home exercise 3 days weekly consisting of 13 strengthening/stretching exercises and 20 mins of aerobic exercise, walking or seated aerobics using ergometer. Subjects will record their exercise on a log and return on day 1 of every cycle.
Duke Raleigh Cancer Center
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Reduction in Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF)
CRF will be evaluated using the FACIT-F tool.
Time frame: Baseline, +/- 7days of 4th chemo cycle (mid point), +/- 7 days of 3 weeks after 6th cycle (end point)
Quality of Life Improvement (QOL)
QOL will be evaluated using the NHANES and FACIT-F tools.
Time frame: Baseline, +/- 7days of cycle 4 of treatment (mid point), +/- 7 days of 3rd week after cycle 6 (end point)
Reduction in Physical Functional Decline
Physical function will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Test and 6 Min Walk Test
Time frame: Baseline and +/- 7days of 3 weeks post 6th cycle (end point)
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