Effects of home-based walking program on fatigue in patients with cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer and its treatments lead to variouscomplications such as fatigue, which is one of the mostcommon and most annoying complications in patientswith cancer. Extreme fatigue may have a significant impacton daily performance and quality of life. Accordingly,this study aimed to investigate the effects of home-basedwalking program on fatigue in patients with cancer inIlam in 2018.Methodology: This was an experimental study, which wasconducted on 95 patients with cancer; they were randomlyassigned to two groups: A (visited on even days) and B(visited on odd days). The experimental group performedthe home-based walking program 3 times a week for 12weeks. The control group only performed its routine activities.The patients were followed up. The research toolsincluded demographic information and Multi-dimensionalFatigue Questionnaire (MFI). The fatigue was measured atweek 12th. The data was analyzed using independent andpaired t-test and chi-square.Findings: After the intervention, the mean score of fatiguein the experimental group (35.52±5.68) was significantlylower than control group (84.68±7.96) (p<0.001).Besides, following the intervention, the mean score offatigue in the experimental group (35.52±5.68) was significantlylower than before the intervention (84.28±7.17)(p<0.001).Conclusion: As a simple and low-cost exercise program,walking can reduce the fatigue in patients with cancer;it also plays an effective role in improving the health andrehabilitation of these patients.