Relationships Between Physiological and Self-Reported Assessment of Cancer-Related Fatigue

Overview

Journal Int J Exerc Sci

Date 2023 Mar 10

PMID 36895434

Authors

Trista L Olson

Kevin D Dames

Jeremy D Smith

Reid Hayward

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between subjective, self-reported cancer related fatigue (CRF) and objective measures of muscular strength and fatigability in cancer survivors. A total of 155 cancer survivors (60 ± 13 years of age) completed a questionnaire for the assessment of CRF, along with assessments of handgrip strength, quadriceps strength and fatigability (reduced force/torque). Fatigability was measured by completing 15 maximal isokinetic contractions of the knee extensors (QFI). Spearman's rho correlation coefficients were calculated as pairwise combinations of the numerical and categorical dependent measures. Categorical variables were analyzed via nonparametric means of association. This included a 4×4 chi-square to test whether cancer stage (0-4) was independent of fatigue status (none, mild, moderate, severe) and whether cancer treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or combinations of these) was independent of fatigue status. None of the physiological strength and fatigue measures were significantly correlated to overall perceived fatigue or any of the subscales. Cancer stage and treatment type were also not significantly related to fatigue status (likelihood ratio = .225, Cramer's = .228; likelihood ratio = .103, Cramer's = .369, respectively). Our results show that levels of patient reported fatigue severity were not significantly related to muscular fatigability or strength. As a result, cancer patients experiencing fatigue may benefit from following the standard exercise guidelines for cancer survivors, regardless of their levels of self-reported fatigue.

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