Congress Abstracts 2004

251

THE EFFECT OF A STRUCTURED EXERCISE PROGRAM ON FATIGUE, STRENGTH, ENDURANCE, PHYSICAL SELF-EFFICACY, AND FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS IN WOMEN WITH EARLY STAGE BREAST CANCER. Sheila Crowley, PhD(c), RN, AOCN^®, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI.

Cancer treatment-related fatigue is a distressing effect of cancer therapy. Early efforts on describing the fatigue experience have progressed to testing potential interventions. This study will build on the fatigue, functional capacity, and exercise activity of previous studies (MacVicar et al., 1989; Mock et al., 1994, 1997, 2001; & Schwartz, 2000). Strength training and the nature of the relationship of physical self-efficacy and performance to functional wellness will contribute new understanding to this area of fatigue and symptom management.

The purpose of this 13-week study is to test the effectiveness of a structured exercise program in decreasing fatigue, increasing strength and endurance, increasing physical self-efficacy, and enhancing perceptions of functional wellness in women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy (Adriamycin and Cytoxan) for early-stage breast cancer.

The conceptual model identifies relationships among the focal concepts of cancer treatment-related fatigue, performance, physical self-efficacy, and functional wellness. The structured exercise program is the predictor variable being tested.

A randomized, two-group repeated measures experimental design. The current sample of 22 women, between ages 36–58 years, is randomized to control (n = 9) and intervention (n = 13) groups. Both groups were tested at weeks 1 and 13 for endurance (VO2max) and strength (1-repetition maximum). Measurement of fatigue (Revised Piper Fatigue Scale, Attentional Functional Index), physical self-efficacy (Physical Self-Efficacy Subscale), and functional wellness (SF-36 and Functional Wellness Questionnaire) occurred at weeks 1, 7, and 13.

Preliminary analysis found significant differences between the groups in VO2max from weeks 1–13. Significant differences in activity also existed between the two groups. No significant differences in the total fatigue or physical self-efficacy scores were found between the two groups. Functional wellness was significant at week 7 between the two groups. Significant correlations were found between fatigue, vitality, attentional fatigue, and physical self-efficacy. The SF-36 physical functioning subscale significantly correlated to physical self-efficacy.

Preliminary findings support the positive role of exercise in increasing endurance during adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer.