Prescribed Walking for Glycemic Control and Symptom Management in Patients Without Diabetes Undergoing Chemotherapy.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility of a 6-month walking exercise program for patients undergoing chemotherapy and evaluate its effects on glycemic control and symptom severity.
Results Summary
The study found that the walking program was feasible, with most participants completing the 6-month intervention. The intervention group showed a slight decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c and significantly less sleep disturbance and depression compared to the control group.
Population
Predominantly non-Hispanic White female patients with breast cancer, normal-to-slightly-overweight BMI, undergoing chemotherapy.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
6 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
a prescribed walking program | decrease | glycosylated hemoglobin A1c | patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast, lung, gynecologic, or gastrointestinal cancer | slight | had a slight decrease | #1 |
a prescribed walking program | decrease | sleep disturbance | patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast, lung, gynecologic, or gastrointestinal cancer | significantly less | had significantly less | #2 |
a prescribed walking program | decrease | depression | patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast, lung, gynecologic, or gastrointestinal cancer | significantly less | had significantly less | #3 |
a prescribed walking program | no change | pain | patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast, lung, gynecologic, or gastrointestinal cancer | no significant change | No other within- or between-group differences were found | #4 |
a prescribed walking program | no change | fatigue | patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast, lung, gynecologic, or gastrointestinal cancer | no significant change | No other within- or between-group differences were found | #5 |
BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia may potentiate symptom experiences. Exercise is a nonpharmacological intervention that can potentially improve glycemic control and mitigate symptom experiences in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to assess the feasibility of patients engaging in a walking exercise study for 6 months. We also evaluated the effects of a prescribed walking program on glycemic control and for changes over time in the severity of pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbance in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast, lung, gynecologic, or gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: A randomized pilot intervention study was conducted to evaluate differences within and between a prescribed walking program intervention group and a control group. All patients were followed for 6 months, had glycosylated hemoglobin A1c measured at enrollment and 6 months, and completed symptom questionnaires at enrollment, 3 months, and 6 months. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Most of the patients who enrolled completed the 6-month study. The few who withdrew expressed feeling overwhelmed. The sample was predominately non-Hispanic White female patients with breast cancer with a normal-to-slightly-overweight body mass index. The intervention group had a slight decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c at 6 months. In addition, at 6 months, compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly less sleep disturbance and depression. No other within- or between-group differences were found. DISCUSSION: It is feasible for patients undergoing chemotherapy to participate in a prescribed walking program. Exercise, such as walking, may decrease hyperglycemia and symptom severity. Additional research with larger samples is warranted.