Key result
The Cancer Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Fitness and Debility Program significantly improved 6-Minute Walk Test distances from a baseline mean of 436 yards to 523 yards at discharge (P<0.001).
Why the study?
While rehabilitation throughout cancer treatment is linked to improved outcomes, the efficacy of the Cancer Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Fitness and Debility Program needed evaluation.
Does a physical therapy-based exercise protocol improve cardiopulmonary performance, fatigue, and pain in adult cancer patients?
Observational (n=102)
Does a physical therapy-based exercise protocol improve cardiopulmonary performance, fatigue, and pain in adult cancer patients?
Effect estimate: r = 0.57
Absolute Event Rate: 523% vs 436%
p-value: p=<.001
A personalized physical therapy fitness program significantly improves cardiovascular fitness, fatigue, and pain in patients recovering from cancer treatment.
May support PT programs for cancer survivors; leaves open confirmation via randomized trials on outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that rehabilitation and fitness throughout cancer treatment interventions have been linked to improved outcomes for morbidity and mortality of cancer patients. This study serves to detail the efficacy of the Cancer Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Fitness and Debility (Ca PT) Program in cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical population of cancer patients referred to the Ca PT Program and evaluate the efficacy of the program's therapy protocol in improving cardiopulmonary performance and cancer-related fatigue and pain. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Outpatient clinics. PATIENTS: One hundred two adults who had been referred from a variety of referral sources and supervised individualized exercise programs. METHODS: Participation in the Ca PT Program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was a change in baseline-to-discharge scores in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), a cardiopulmonary performance measure. The secondary measures were changes in baseline-to-discharge scores of cancer-related fatigue and general pain, measured by patient self-report using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: 6MWT values were significantly higher at discharge (mean 523 yards) than at baseline (mean 436), (P < .001, r = 0.57). Ninety-two percent of cases showed improvement and 58% of cases had a change on the 6MWT that met threshold for minimal important difference. Quality of life factors, fatigue (P < .001) and pain (P < .001) also significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the Ca PT Program yields significant improvement in cardiovascular fitness, fatigue, and pain in people with cancer history. Personalized physical therapy fitness programs for individuals recovering from cancer treatment should be a standard component of cancer intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hutchison et al. (2019) conducted an observational in Cancer (n=102). Cancer Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Fitness and Debility (Ca PT) Program vs. Baseline was evaluated on Change in baseline-to-discharge scores in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (r = 0.57, p=<.001). The Cancer Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Fitness and Debility Program significantly improved 6-Minute Walk Test distances from a baseline mean of 436 yards to 523 yards at discharge (P<0.001).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: