THE EFFECT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAM ON CHEMOTHERAPY SYMPTOMS, TOXICITY, HEMATOPOIESIS, MUSCLE STRENGTH, SENSATION, BALANCE AND ENDURANCE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY


Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi University, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, FİZYOTERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON ANA BİLİM DALI, Turkey

Approval Date: 2020

Thesis Language: Turkish

Student: FATMA BÜŞRA BENGÜBOZ

Supervisor: İlke Keser

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of home physiotherapy program on toxicity, muscle

strength and endurance, balance and sensation for 12 weeks in patients diagnosed with colon cancer

for the first time. 14 patients who were diagnosed with colon cancer by applying to the Medical

Oncology Department of Gazi University Hospital and decided to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy

were included in the study.The patients were randomly divided as intervention (n:7) and control (n:7)

groups. The patients in control group were informed about chemotherapy period. The intervention

group was taught exercises and walking, balance and sensory training additionally. Physiotherapist

called patients and followed up patients every week regularly. The patients were assessed in the first

course of chemotherapy and at the 12th week. Patients muscle strength and endurance, sensory and

balance were assessed with manual muscle test, 30sec. chair stand test, Semmes Weinstein

Monoflaman test (SMWT) and aesthesiometer, one foot standing test, respectively. In the cycle of

each cure received for 12 weeks the chemotherapy related symptoms, toxicity, and blood values were

respectively measured with "Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS)”, "NCI- Common

Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0" and routinly taken blood analysis were

reported. In the intervention and control groups were determinated in order of median age values

were 59(45-66) years; 63(55-74) years In comparison of the groups in the MSAS values, the

increases were determined significant in the values of the group, time, and the change of the groups

more in control group. After treatment, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, arthralgia and fatigue decreased

in the intervention group and increased in the control group. Decrease in Iliopsoas and Quadriceps

muscle strength in the control group, and increase in the Iliopsoas muscle strength in the intervention

group were significant. It was determined that the decrease in the control group was significant in

the onefoot test and 30sec chair stand test. In the SMWT control group, threshold values were

increased in the areas determined in the hands and feet, and sensory loss was found to be

significant.The decrease in platelet values was determined according to time and group-time

variable.Conclusion:According to the limited data, it has been observed that the physiotherapy home

program applied in the first 12 weeks of the adjuvant chemotherapy period may have positive effects

to decrease side effects of chemotherapy, prevent loss of muscle strength and endurance, balance and

sensation

Key Words : Colon Cancer, Thrombocytopenia, Neutropenia, Anemia, Exercise