journal articles
EXERCISE INTERVENTIONS FOR PRESERVING PHYSICAL FUNCTION AMONG CANCER SURVIVORS IN MIDDLE TO LATE LIFE
C.W. Daum, S.K. Cochrane, J.D. Fitzgerald, L. Johnson, T.W. Buford
J Frailty Aging 2016;5(4):214-224
The purpose of this review was to evaluate randomized controlled trials aiming to preserve the functional status, i.e. physical capabilities, of middle-aged and older cancer survivors through a structured, physical exercise intervention. The study team performed a thorough search of the literature using six online databases. This literature search limited included studies to randomized controlled trials which implemented a structured physical activity intervention for middle- and older-aged adults diagnosed with cancer. Studies were also required include at least one objective measure of physical function as a dependent outcome. This literature search yielded thirty-eight studies. The majority of the literature reviewed was successful in improving several functional outcomes including time needed to rise from a chair or distance covered during the six-minute walk test. A large number of published trials also suggest that exercise is effective in decreasing fatigue. However, a lack of trials investigating outcomes in older populations (≥ 65 years) was noted in this review. The results of this review suggest that a structured exercise program may be physically beneficial for middle-aged to older cancer survivors. Particularly, such interventions could preserve the functional status of cancer patients and, consequently, improve their long-term health outcomes. Future implications include further investigation into strictly older cancer patient populations, as outcomes related to exercise might differ between older and middle-aged adults.
CITATION:
C.W. Daum ; S.K. Cochrane ; J.D. Fitzgerald ; L. Johnson ; T.W. Buford (2016): Exercise Interventions for Preserving Physical Function Among Cancer Survivors in Middle to Late Life. The Journal of Frailty and Aging (JFA). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jfa.2016.92