Faculty Collaboration Database

Muscle endurance, cancer-related fatigue, and radiotherapy in prostate cancer survivors. Muscle Nerve 2011 Mar;43(3):415-24

Date

02/10/2011

Pubmed ID

21305569

DOI

10.1002/mus.21913

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-79951924669 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   12 Citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: 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.

Author List

Alt CA, Gore EM, Montagnini ML, Ng AV

Authors

Elizabeth M. Gore MD Professor in the Radiation Oncology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Alexander V. Ng PhD Associate Professor in the Exercise Science department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Fatigue
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Strength
Physical Endurance
Prostatic Neoplasms
Survivors