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Muscle endurance, cancer‐related fatigue, and radiotherapy in prostate cancer survivors
Author(s) -
Alt Carlynn A.,
Gore Elizabeth M.,
Montagnini Marcos L.,
Ng Alexander V.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.21913
Subject(s) - medicine , prostate cancer , epworth sleepiness scale , cancer related fatigue , cancer , radiation therapy , depression (economics) , urology , apnea , economics , macroeconomics , polysomnography
In this study we investigated muscle and cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) in prostate cancer survivors (CS) undergoing radiotherapy (RT). Methods: In 13 CS and 12 controls, CRF was assessed by the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale—Depression subscale (CES‐D), physical activity (accelerometer), and hemoglobin levels (Hb). Muscle measures included strength, activation, contractile properties, and endurance during intermittent dorsiflexion. Testing occurred before and after 6 weeks of RT in CS. Results: After RT, the PFS score increased from initial levels in CS only without changes in sleepiness, depression, or physical activity. Hb decreased in CS only [mean (SD): pre, 15 (1.1); post, 14.5 (1.1) g/dl; P = 0.04]. Endurance decreased in CS [mean (SD): pre, 519 (340) s; post, 388 (203) s; P = 0.04] and increased in controls [mean (SD: pre, 616 (387) s; post, 753 (553) s; P = 0.03]. Only endurance was associated with PFS in CS ( r = −0.55, P = 0.05). Discussion: Muscle endurance is impaired after RT and may contribute to CRF in CS. Muscle Nerve, 2011