Open AccessImpact of a Home‐Based Walking Intervention on Outcomes of Sleep Quality, Emotional Distress, and Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Solid Tumors
Author(s) -
Wenzel Jennifer A.,
Griffith Kathleen A.,
Shang JingJing,
Thompson Carol B.,
Hedlin Haley,
Stewart Kerry J.,
DeWeese Theodore,
Mock Victoria
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0278
Subject(s) - medicine , physical therapy , distress , intervention (counseling) , emotional distress , breast cancer , aerobic exercise , quality of life (healthcare) , randomized controlled trial , cancer , clinical psychology , anxiety , psychiatry , nursing
Learning ObjectivesDescribe the benefits and limited risks of a low‐cost, home‐based exercise program. Impart to patients information on an easily implemented, sustainable, at‐home exercise intervention.Purpose. Exercise use among patients with cancer has been shown to have many benefits and few notable risks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a home‐based walking intervention during cancer treatment on sleep quality, emotional distress, and fatigue. Methods. A total of 138 patients with prostate (55.6%), breast (32.5%), and other solid tumors (11.9%) were randomized to a home‐based walking intervention or usual care. Exercise dose was assessed using a five‐item subscale of the Cooper Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study Physical Activity Questionnaire. Primary outcomes of sleep quality, distress, and fatigue were compared between the two study arms. Results. The exercise group ( n = 68) reported more vigor ( p = .03) than control group participants ( n = 58). In dose response models, greater participation in aerobic exercise was associated with 11% less fatigue ( p < .001), 7.5% more vigor ( p = .001), and 3% less emotional distress ( p = .03), after controlling for intervention group assignment, age, and baseline exercise and fatigue levels. Conclusion. Patients who exercised during cancer treatment experienced less emotional distress than those who were less active. Increasing exercise was also associated with less fatigue and more vigor. Home‐based walking is a simple, sustainable strategy that may be helpful in improving a number of symptoms encountered by patients undergoing active treatment for cancer.