Physiotherapy in Cancer-Related Fatigue: Exercise Prescription Across the Cancer Care Continuum A Narrative Review
Year: 2024
Type: review
Abstract: Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a persistent, distressing sense of physical, emotional or cognitive exhaustion related to cancer or its treatment and disproportionate to recent activity. Unlike ordinary tiredness, it may not resolve with rest and can restrict function across diagnosis, active treatment, survivorship and advanced disease. Objective: To synthesize evidence published from 2012 through 2021 on physiotherapy assessment and exercise prescription for CRF across the cancer-care continuum. Methods: A structured narrative review considered peer-reviewed English-language studies, systematic reviews and guidance published between January 2012 and December 2021. Evidence concerning aerobic, resistance, combined, mind–body and behaviourally supported exercise was interpreted clinically. Results: Exercise is one of the best-supported non-pharmacological interventions for CRF. Benefits are generally modest but clinically meaningful for selected patients. Effective programmes use individualized aerobic or combined aerobic and resistance exercise, progressive dosing, symptom monitoring and strategies that avoid prolonged inactivity. Screening must identify anaemia, infection, cardiopulmonary disease, pain, sleep disturbance, nutritional problems, depression and treatment toxicity. Exercise should be adapted to cancer type, treatment phase, bone integrity, blood counts, neuropathy and patient goals. Conclusion: Physiotherapists can translate CRF evidence into safe, flexible and function-focused programmes from active treatment through survivorship and palliative care. Exercise should not be framed as simply overcoming tiredness through willpower. Larger pragmatic studies are required in advanced cancer, under-represented populations and resource-limited settings.
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204156903