title: Managing post-therapy fatigue for cancer survivors using energy conservation training.
abstract: This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of energy conservation training to help post-therapy cancer survivors manage their fatigue. Twelve post-therapy cancer survivors were randomly assigned to an energy conservation training or usual care control (6 in each group). Participants in the intervention group received 1 to 2 hours of individual, face-to-face energy conservation training from an occupational therapist followed by once-a-week telephone monitoring sessions in the subsequent three weeks. Participants in the control group received standard care from their oncologist. Analysis of pre- and post-training data from the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) revealed significant reduction only in the sensory subscale of the PFS (Z = 2.21; p = 0.027) for the intervention group; but no significant reduction in the four subscale or total scores of the PFS for the control group. Findings demonstrate partial support for the effectiveness of energy conservation training in helping post-therapy cancer survivors manage their fatigue. Energy conservation training seems to be a viable strategy for managing cancer-related fatigue, though its efficacy is modest. Incorporating specific energy restoration strategies such as relaxation and meditation for future research may help advance the growing body of knowledge in symptom management for post-therapy cancer survivors.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy Educational Program, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President St., PO Box 250700, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. yuen@musc.edu
authors.forename: Hon Keung
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.forename: Maralynne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mitcham
authors.forename: Larissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011581:Psychological Tests; D013022:South Carolina; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents