Cantarero-Villanueva, I., Fernández-Lao, C., Cuesta-Vargas, A. I., Del Moral-Avila, R., Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., & Arroyo-Morales, M. (2013). The effectiveness of a deep water aquatic exercise program in cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 94, 221–230.
To examine the effectiveness of an eight-week aquatic exercise program on cancer-related fatigue and physical and psychological outcomes in patients with breast cancer.
Patients were randomly assigned to exercise groups or usual care control groups. The intervention consisted of an eight-week program of water-based exercises, three times per week, in a heated deep swimming pool. Sessions lasted 60 minutes each and included a warm-up and cool-down. Exercise intensity was maintained according to recommendations for moderate exercise as stated by the American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association. Groups of 10 to 12 women participated in the exercise program. Data were collected at baseline, eight weeks, and six months.
Patients were undergoing the transition phase after active treatment.
This was a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.
Deep-water exercise reduced fatigue, provided a short-term improvement in leg and abdominal muscle endurance, and resulted in some short-term reduction in depression. Effects on muscle endurance and depression declined after the eight-week program. Apparent effects on fatigue lasted six months.
The study adds to the large body of evidence showing the effectiveness of various types of exercise in the treatment of fatigue in patients with breast cancer. Nurses can recommend various types of exercise for their patients.