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F.I.T.T.ING THE BILL: EXAMINING CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE THROUGH PRINCIPLES OF EXERCISE

Abstract

PURPOSE: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing side effect for cancer survivors. Exercise can reduce CRF, but ideal frequency, intensity, time, type, and volume is not well understood. METHODS: Retrospective, secondary analysis of baseline data from those living with and beyond cancer in a clinical exercise program. CRF was self-reported using the FACIT-F Scale. Exercise frequency (bouts/week), time (average mins/bout), intensity (light vs moderate to vigorous), type (aerobic vs aerobic and resistance), and volume (min/week) were self-reported using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Univariate associations between exercise frequency, duration, volume and FACIT scores were assessed using Spearman correlations. Group mean differences for intensity and type groups were compared using two sample t-tests. RESULTS: Participants (n=159) were M=56±14 years old, 64% female, 31% were undergoing treatment and the most common cancer diagnosis was breast (31%). Average FACIT score was M=33±11, exercise frequency was M=7±4 bouts/week, duration was M=32±14 mins, volume was M=228±160 mins/week, light intensity only [30%, n=48], moderate to vigorous intensity [70%, n=111]. Weak positive correlations were found between FACIT scores and exercise frequency [rs=.17, p=.034], duration [rs=.21, p=<.01] and volume [rs =.25, p=<.01]. Two sample t-tests revealed no statistically significant differences in mean FACIT scores among intensity groups [t=1.34, p=.09], or type groups [t=1.20, p=.12]. CONCLUSION: Higher weekly aerobic exercise frequency, duration, and volume were weakly associated with lower CRF. Future studies on exercise prescription for CRF should account for treatment status/type, cancer type, and gender differences, in their analyses to enhance generalizability of the findings.

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