Background
Fatigue remains a persistent and troubling symptom for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. Physical activity (PA) is recommended as a strategy for self-management of fatigue.
Objective
The aim of the study was to examine a PA intervention to improve the self-management of fatigue in AYAs during chemotherapy.
Methods
This randomized controlled trial enrolled AYAs (18–39 years) receiving chemotherapy. Adolescents and young adults in the intervention group received a 12-week PA intervention integrated into 5 clinic visits that included education, PA tracking, and collaboration. Physical activity was measured with an accelerometer, and participants completed measures of fatigue severity, self-efficacy for PA, and self-regulation at baseline and end of study.
Results
Forty-four AYAs completed the study. At baseline, AYAs averaged 4290 (SD, 2423) steps/day and 14.4 (SD, 20.6) minutes/day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA; their average Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System fatigue score was 55.0 (SD, 9.2). At end of study, there were no significant differences between groups in fatigue, self-efficacy, self-regulation, or PA, but trends in the desired direction were observed for each of the variables in the intervention group.
Conclusion
During chemotherapy, AYAs had variable levels of PA and engaged in mostly light-intensity PA. Their average fatigue level was slightly worse than a national comparison group.
Implications for Practice
Tailored interventions are needed to promote PA in AYAs as a self-management strategy for fatigue. Enhancing self-efficacy and self-regulation may be important approaches to promote PA.
