How Does a Seated Exercise Program Impact Fatigue and Physical Well-being in Women Undergoing Outpatient Chemotherapy for Advanced Breast Cancer?

In 2004, Headley, et. al., conducted randomized, controlled, longitudinal trial study at an outpatient clinic of a comprehensive cancer center investigated the effects of a seated exercise program on fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in women with metastatic breast cancer. The study aimed to explore the potential benefits of this exercise intervention in mitigating fatigue and enhancing overall well-being among these patients.

A convenience sample of 38 women initiating outpatient chemotherapy was enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group. The intervention group engaged in a seated exercise program using a home videotape three times per week throughout four cycles of chemotherapy. To assess the impact of the intervention, all participants completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Version IV (FACIT F) questionnaire at baseline and during the subsequent three cycles. Monthly calendars were used by the subjects to record exercise participation details, including frequency, duration, and intensity.

Out of the initial sample, 32 subjects (16 per group) completed the study’s follow-up. Using a mixed modeling approach, the analysis revealed a significant decline in total FACIT F scores for the entire sample (p = 0.003), starting from cycle 3. However, the experimental group displayed a slower rate of decline (p = 0.02). Moreover, the fatigue scores indicated a lower increase, and the physical well-being subscale scores showed a lesser decline in the experimental group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.02, respectively).

The study findings suggest that women with advanced breast cancer who participated in the seated exercise intervention experienced a slower decline in overall QOL and physical well-being, as well as a lesser increase in fatigue scores, starting from the third cycle of chemotherapy.

The results of this trial have important implications for nursing practice. Seated exercise programs can be considered a feasible and effective approach to help women with advanced breast cancer manage fatigue and improve their physical well-being. By incorporating seated exercises into the treatment regimen, healthcare professionals can potentially enhance the quality of life for these patients, offering them a valuable complementary strategy to cope with the challenges of advanced breast cancer. Further research and integration of seated exercise programs in clinical settings are warranted to fully explore their potential benefits and maximize the well-being of women facing advanced breast cancer.

Reference: Headley, J. A., Ownby, K. K., & John, L. D. (2004, September). The effect of seated exercise on fatigue and quality of life in women with advanced breast cancer. In Oncology nursing forum (Vol. 31, No. 5).

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