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Effect of a multimodal group exercise intervention in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Our
results showed improved physical capacity, and patient-rated outcomes
showed small to medium effect sizes across a spectrum of physical,
functional and emotional wellbeing scales, including vitality and fatigue,
which we consider to be of relevance to the patients’ daily lives, even
though the global quality of life was not affected. Despite the demanding
nature of the intervention the patients had an adherence rate of 70.8%,
which indicates that the patients appreciated their participation in the
programme. After completion of the project period, this exercise
intervention has been implemented at the Copenhagen University Hospital as
an established treatment offer with no changes in staff resources. Despite
the intervention’s 9-hour volume the staff charges are low because the
patients participate in groups (7-10 patients). The patients participate
without charge. We have received more request from cancer patients
undergoing chemotherapy who wanted to participate, than the exercise
programme has been able to accommodate. Until date more than 800 patients
have participated in the programme. We
have initiated four new projects targeting patients with: lung cancer,
testicular cancer, leukaemia, and patients who are undergoing
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Bibliographic Reference:
Lis Adamsen Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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