A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Physical Activity Intervention for Self-management of Fatigue in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. Cancer Nurs 2021 Jul-Aug 01;44(4):263-271
Date
06/23/2020Pubmed ID
32568808Pubmed Central ID
PMC7744366DOI
10.1097/NCC.0000000000000834Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85109772751 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 9 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Fatigue remains a persistent and troubling symptom for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. Physical activity (PA) is recommended as a strategy for self-management of fatigue.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine a PA intervention to improve the self-management of fatigue in AYAs during chemotherapy.
METHODS: This randomized controlled trial enrolled AYAs (18-39 years) receiving chemotherapy. Adolescents and young adults in the intervention group received a 12-week PA intervention integrated into 5 clinic visits that included education, PA tracking, and collaboration. Physical activity was measured with an accelerometer, and participants completed measures of fatigue severity, self-efficacy for PA, and self-regulation at baseline and end of study.
RESULTS: Forty-four AYAs completed the study. At baseline, AYAs averaged 4290 (SD, 2423) steps/day and 14.4 (SD, 20.6) minutes/day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA; their average Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System fatigue score was 55.0 (SD, 9.2). At end of study, there were no significant differences between groups in fatigue, self-efficacy, self-regulation, or PA, but trends in the desired direction were observed for each of the variables in the intervention group.
CONCLUSION: During chemotherapy, AYAs had variable levels of PA and engaged in mostly light-intensity PA. Their average fatigue level was slightly worse than a national comparison group.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Tailored interventions are needed to promote PA in AYAs as a self-management strategy for fatigue. Enhancing self-efficacy and self-regulation may be important approaches to promote PA.
Author List
Erickson JM, Tokarek N, Ke W, Swartz AAuthors
Jeanne M. Erickson PhD, RN Associate Professor in the College of Nursing department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeNathan Tokarek in the CTSI department at Medical College of Wisconsin - CTSI
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentExercise
Exercise Therapy
Fatigue
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Neoplasms
Self Efficacy
Self-Management
Young Adult