Effects of an outpatient exercise programme for Australians with cancer-related fatigue: an unmet need

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common debilitating condition. International evidence supports an exercise prescription for CRF. The majority of Australians with cancer do not meet recommended exercise targets.

To analyse the effects of a guideline-based supervised exercise programme on CRF among a representative private hospital cancer patient sample (n = 268).

We collected data from 268 patients recruited from haematology and oncology over a 5-year period. Participants underwent a 3-month CRF exercise programme based on internationally recognised exercise guidelines. The programme, conducted by a multidisciplinary team, operated twice weekly sessions of 2 h duration comprising aerobic, resistance and balance exercises; hydrotherapy and condition counselling; fatigue management; and dietetic, speech pathology and swallowing education (head and neck cancers). The effect of the programme was measured in relation to the following outcomes: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy, Fatigue (self-reported fatigue); Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, general quality of life (health-related quality of life in cancer); six-minute walk test; and Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale.

Multivariate outcomes showed statistically significant improvements in all four major outcome measures, plus a programme effect of greater than 0.7 for each outcome variable. The programme treatment outcomes were consistent over the 5 years of the programme.

The outcomes of this programme contribute to exercise guidelines in Australia. Currently only position statements exist on the subject, but there are no programme guidelines. An exercise prescription is critical to cancer outcomes. This programme is likely to benefit cancer survivors experiencing CRF across private and public hospitals in Australia.