Improvements in Objective and Patient-Reported Measures of Physical Function Following an 8-Week Exercise Oncology Program

Abstract

Background: Physical function is often impaired because of cancer and its treatment. Despite this, it is not common to comprehensively assess physical function in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in objective and patient-reported physical function in adults with a history of cancer who completed an exercise program. Methods: The program was offered 2 d/wk for 8 weeks at an outpatient physical therapy clinic and consisted of resistance and aerobic exercises that were individualized to each participant. Objective physical function was assessed using the Bellarmine Norton Assessment Tool consisting of self-reported physical activity frequency, 2-minute step test, 30-second sit to stand, timed arm curl, Timed Up and Go, and scaled total score. Patient-reported physical function was assessed using the PROMIS-Physical Function (PF) Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT). Results: Significant differences (P < .001) were found for all outcomes demonstrating improvements in objective and patient-reported physical function. Changes in raw and scaled total score for objective physical function displayed large Cohen d effect sizes (ES), physical activity (ES = 0.82), 2-minute step test (ES = 1.00), 30-second sit to stand (ES = 1.01), arm curl (ES = 1.01), Timed Up and Go (ES = 0.85), and scaled total score (ES = 1.31). Changes in PROMIS-PF CAT demonstrated a medium-large effect (ES = 0.78). Conclusion: The effectiveness of the exercise program was supported by significant improvements in objective and patient-reported physical function. The use of such outcomes provides a useful method to understand changes in physical function and supports the development of effective exercise methods for survivors of cancer.