Exercise Physiology – Improving Strength and Decreasing Fatigue in People with Cancer
Dylan West1, Hannah McDermott11Orange Hospital – Western NSW Health, Orange, NSW, Australia
Abstract
A pilot program has been commenced in Western NSW Local Health District to manage and improve the outcomes of people living with cancer. Exercise has been shown to improve mortality, decrease recurrence of cancer, manage symptoms of treatment, improve quality of life and improve treatment tolerance.
Since November 2022, 90 people have participated in the exercise physiologist lead program. Participants can access individualised exercise programs either at home and/or in a group class held at an external gym. Selection criteria for participation includes, undergoing active cancer treatment; neoadjuvant treatment; adjuvant treatment; presence of metastatic cancer; and/or palliative. 24 patients participated in the 12-week study undergoing outcome measures comprised of; skeletal muscle mass (SMM%); generic strength testing; Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS); and patient feedback.
The ESAS measure of fatigue improved by 10% overall, with 14 of the 24 participants maintaining/improving fatigue levels. 14 of 23 participants maintained/improved SMM% with an overall increase of 1.6%. In the 30 second sit-to-stand (STS), 21 of 23 patients maintained/improved their leg strength with a 29% increase overall. In the 30 second wall push-up 22 of 23 participants maintained/improved their upper body strength with an overall improvement of 31.3%. Patient feedback and ESAS measures indicate improved mental health and quality of life.
The pilot program based on 12 weeks of exercise intervention indicates that more than 58% of patients have maintained or improved outcomes of fatigue, SMM% and general strength. However, further research is required to determine further benefits of exercise interventions.
Biography
Dylan West
I am an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, originally from the Central Coast. I have been working as an AEP for 7yrs in both private practice and NSW health. I enjoy being physically active playing a variety of sports and socialising with mates.
Hannah McDermott
I am an AEP who grew up on a sheep and crop farm in the Riverina. I have worked in private practice and NGOs across 3 states over the last 6 years. I thoroughly enjoy exercising (both individually and in teams), travelling, reading and spending time with family and friends.