Feasibility and outcomes of a goal-directed physical therapy program for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a tailored, goal-directed, and exercise-based physical therapy program for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). METHODS: This was an observational, uncontrolled feasibility study. The physical therapy intervention was highly tailored to the individual patient's goals, abilities, and preferences and could include functional, strength, aerobic, and relaxation exercises. Feasibility outcomes were participation rate (expected: 25%), safety, and adherence (percentage of attended sessions relative to scheduled sessions). Additional outcomes were goal attainment, self-reported physical functioning, fatigue, health-related quality of life, and patient and physical therapist satisfaction with the program. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (estimated participation rate: 34%) were enrolled. Three patients did not start the intervention due to early disease progression. An additional 22 patients discontinued the program prematurely, mainly due to disease progression. Median intervention adherence was 90% and no major intervention-related adverse events occurred. A goal attainment score was available for 42 patients (of whom 29 had completed the program and 13 had prematurely dropped out). Twenty-two (52%) of these patients achieved their main goal fully or largely and an additional 15 patients (36%) partially. Eighty-five percent would "definitely recommend" the program to other patients with MBC. We observed a modest improvement in patient satisfaction with physical activities (Cohen's dz 0.33). CONCLUSION: The tailored intervention program was feasible in terms of uptake, safety, and outcomes and was highly valued by patients and physical therapists. However, disease progression interfered with the program, leading to substantial dropout. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NTR register: NTR6475.

Physical problems, functional limitations, and preferences for physical therapist-guided exercise programs among Dutch patients with metastatic breast cancer: a mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: In this study we aimed (1) to identify the most prevalent physical symptoms and functional limitations that limit physical activity of patients with palliative treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and (2) to identify their preferences for exercise-based physical therapy programs, as a first step towards the development of physical therapist (PT)-guided exercise programs for patients with MBC. METHODS: We performed a mixed-method study that comprised a cross-sectional survey and two focus group sessions among patients with MBC. Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed independently by two researchers, using directed content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 114 women (response rate 61%) completed the survey (mean age 63.5, SD 10.2). Eighty-six percent of the women reported at least some level of physical problems limiting their ability to be physically active, of whom 46% reported substantial problems. The most prevalent problems were fatigue, painful joints, painful muscles, and shortness of breath. Uptake of exercise appeared to be limited. Exercise preferences varied strongly. Fifty-three percent indicated a preference for some form of PT-supervision, and 34% for a prolonged period of time (> 8 weeks). Focus group results clarified that patients' preferences for supervision, by PTs with special qualifications in oncology, were related to feelings of insecurity about their ability to self-manage physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MBC experience a broad range of physical health problems that limit their ability to be physically active. While preferences vary strongly, patients with MBC would value the availability of high quality, PT-guided, tailored exercise programs.