Physical Therapy and Exercise for Hospice Patients.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Palliative Care
• Oncology

Background:

• Falls pose a significant health risk for hospice patients with cancer, affecting 50% within six months.
• Falls negatively impact quality of life, increase anxiety, and cause pain and suffering in this population.
• Physical therapy and exercise are proven fall-reduction strategies in community-dwelling older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing studies on the effects of physical therapy (PT) and exercise in hospice and terminally ill cancer patients.
• To explore the potential of PT and exercise in mitigating fall risks within this specific patient group.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of five studies examining PT and exercise interventions.
• Analysis of outcomes related to balance, strength, pain, sleep, and fatigue, which are associated with falls.

Main Results:

• No studies directly measured fall reduction.
• Reviewed studies reported improvements in health status, functional mobility, and muscle strength.
• Interventions positively influenced factors contributing to fall risk, such as balance and strength.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapy and exercise show potential benefits for hospice cancer patients.
• These interventions may indirectly reduce fall risk by improving key health and functional parameters.
• Further research is warranted to directly assess the impact of PT and exercise on fall prevention in this population.