title: Cancer rehabilitation: outcome evaluation of a strengthening and conditioning program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cancer treatments can lead to detriments in patients' health and declines in quality of life (QOL). Cancer rehabilitation programs may improve functional status, symptom control, and QOL.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to determine if an outpatient, physical therapy-supervised Cancer Rehabilitation Strengthening and Conditioning (CRSC) program improved patients' conditioning level, functional status, QOL, and symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective study of oncology patients participating in CRSC program. Measurements included conditioning level (6-minute walk test [SMWT], metabolic equivalent level, grip strength), functional status (Physical Component Summary of Short Form 36), QOL (Mental Component Summary of Short Form 36), and symptoms (M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory). Paired t tests were conducted to determine significant changes between pre- and post-CRSC program measures, and regression methods identified predictors of change from baseline.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred fifteen patients with cancer were enrolled in the study; 75 patients completed pre- and post-CRSC program measures. Significant improvements were noted in SMWT by 186.4 ft, SMWT speed by 0.35 mph, treadmill time (3.5 minutes longer), metabolic equivalent level (by 0.87 units), QOL, symptom severity, symptom interference with daily life, fatigue, shortness of breath, and sadness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a pretest-posttest design, significant improvements were noted in conditioning level, functional status, QOL, and symptoms. Greater improvements were noted in participants who were most deconditioned at baseline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research should be conducted to provide additional support for CRSC programs. Cancer rehabilitation strengthening and condition programs may benefit patients across the continuum of care, including deconditioned patients.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: Oncology Research Department, Park Nicollet Institute (Drs Swenson and M. J. Nissen and Mss Knippenberg, Bell, and J. Nissen); Park Nicollet Rehabilitation Services, Park Nicollet Health Services (Ms Sistermans and Mr Spilde); Park Nicollet Frauenshuh Cancer Center (Dr Chen); and US Oncology (Dr Tsai), Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Karen K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Swenson
authors.forename: Mary Jo
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Nissen
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Knippenberg
authors.forename: Annemiek
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sistermans
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Spilde
authors.forename: Elaine M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nissen
authors.forename: Cathleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Michaela L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010045:Outpatients; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking