The effect of physiotherapy on the condition of cancer patients receiving palliative care

Introduction: Cancer and its treatment cause many symptoms that prevent normal functioning. According to the World Health Organization rehabilitation is one of the basic elements of palliative care. The aim of physiotherapy for patients in advanced stages of cancer is to maintain a good physical and mental state and thus maintain the best possible quality of life of the dying. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of physiotherapy on the condition of patients with cancer receiving palliative care.

Material and methods: The study group comprised 72 patients (35 women and 37 men) with cancer staying in the Department of Palliative Medicine of the Military Medical University Teaching Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, who underwent an individual physiotherapy program. To assess the condition of the patient before and after physiotherapy a special survey form was used. Functional state, self-care, intensity of dyspnea based on the NRS scale, frame of mind, and occurrence of anxiety and depression were taken into consideration.

Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of patients assuming the vertical position of the body. Physiotherapy did not have a statistically significant impact on the improvement of the patients’ mobility and self-care. However, a statistically significant reduction in dyspnea intensity as well as anxiety and depression associated with the disease was observed after physiotherapy.

Conclusions: Physiotherapy improves the psychophysical condition of patients with cancer receiving palliative care.