Treatment-related fatigue and exercise in patients with cancer: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review was to determine if patients receiving treatment for cancer experienced less treatment-related fatigue if they participated in a regular committed exercise regimen, compared to those who did not exercise regularly.


OBJECTIVE
What is the relationship between treatment-related fatigue and exercise during chemotherapy and/or radiation?


METHODS
A systematic review of 19 English-language studies from the United States, Europe, and Australia, conducted between January 2000 and October 2006, investigating the effect of exercise on chemotherapy and/or radiation-related fatigue was completed. Included in the review were randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, and secondary analysis of previously reported studies such as systematic reviews. Ten studies that fit the preestablished criteria were retained for the review. The Priority Symptom Management (PRISM) system developed by the Oncology Nursing Society was used for leveling evidence.


RESULTS
Eight of the ten studies showed regular committed exercise resulted in less fatigue among the experimental group participating in exercise programs. A limitation common to the studies included in this review was the lack of a universal definition for fatigue, and therefore, the lack of a universal measuring instrument to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence to include an individualized exercise program for patients on chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Studies showed no adverse effects of exercise such as increased fatigue or falls.
Kuchinski
Anne-Marie
AM
SwedishAmerican Health System, Rockford, IL, USA.
Reading
Maria
M
Lash
Ayhan Aytekin
AA
D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome