First Advisor

Hayward, Reid

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

7-1-2016

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Kinesiology Nutrition and Dietetics, KiND Student Work

Abstract

Exercise is a well-established method of alleviating cancer-related toxicities during and following treatment in cancer survivors. Due to this clear evidence, exercise-based rehabilitation programs have begun to emerge. Of concern, specific recommendations of exercise prescription for patients at different time points on the cancer continuum have not been developed, and available guidelines are broad and unclear. The Phase Training Model of cancer rehabilitation was created to address this issue and replace our previously used method of exercise-based prescription and intervention. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of the Phase Training Model on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength (MS), and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in cancer survivors during the transition from each Phase and in those who have completed the entire Phase Training Model. Methods: A total of 152 cancer survivors’ data were utilized. The Phase Training Model consists of four sequential Phases representing differing time points from treatment. The designated Phase prescribes intensity, progression, and goals unique to each. Changes in peak volume of oxygen consumption (VO2peak), chest press MS, leg press MS, and CRF were observed in transitions from Phase 1 to 2, Phase 2 to 3, and Phase 3 to 4. Absolute values and percent change of VO2peak from data collected in the previous version of the program were compared to the data collected in the Phase Training Model. Results: VO2peak, chest press MS, leg press MS, and CRF all significantly improved from Phase 1 to Phase 2, and from Phase 2 to Phase 3 (p < 0.05). VO2peak and chest press MS significantly improved in patients transitioning from Phase 3 to 4 (p < 0.05). VO2peak improved to a greater extent in the Phase Training Model when compared to the previous program (29.4% and 14.8%, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest the Phase Training Model provides the first clear and reproducible guidelines for exercise prescription in cancer survivors, and is more effective at improving cardiorespiratory endurance than the previous model of the program. This model of exercise-based intervention yielded significant physiological and psychological improvements in patients both during and immediately following treatment, with reduced results as time from treatment increases.

Keywords

cancer, cancer rehabilitation, oncology rehabilitation, exercise-based interventions

Extent

179 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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