The effect of resistance exercise on quality of life and fatigue in patients with gynecological cancer

Abstract

Objective: It is known that the quality of life decreases and fatigue increases in cancer patients due to the disease and the effects of treatment. Regular exercise can significantly improve these complaints. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of resistance exercises on quality of life and fatigue in patients with gynecological cancer. Materials and Methods: Patients who completed gynecological cancer treatment were randomized to form the exercise group (n=80) and the control group (n=80). Quality of life and cancer-related fatigue were determined by means of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, in order, as primary outcome measurements. Body mass index (BMI), body fat ratio, hand grip strength, hip and back extensor group muscle strength were determined as secondary outcome measurements. Results: At the end of the study, significant improvements were observed in the quality of life (p<0.001) and fatigue (p<0.001), as well as body composition and strength values (p<0.001) in the exercise group compared to the control group. The levels of change in the values were more significant in the exercise group (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between the changes in physical parameters (body fat ratio, BMI) and the changes in quality of life and fatigue levels (p<0.001). Conclusions: It was revealed that resistance exercises could significantly reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve quality of life in patients with gynecological cancer. It can be concluded that resistance exercises can contribute to the treatment process and the patient’s quality of life.