The influence of rehabilitation (kinesiotherapy) on the quality of life of cancer patients provided with palliative care

Magdalena Grzybek; Alicja Mularczyk; Andrzej Krzysztof Ostrowski; Małgorzata Krajnik

Vol 6, No 2 (2007)

Original articles

Published online: 2007-09-07

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The influence of rehabilitation (kinesiotherapy) on the quality of life of cancer patients provided with palliative care

Magdalena Grzybek, Alicja Mularczyk, Andrzej Krzysztof Ostrowski, Małgorzata Krajnik

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2007;6(2):53-57.

Vol 6, No 2 (2007)

Original articles

Published online: 2007-09-07

Abstract

Rehabilitation provision for the palliative patient is of great importance to the process of symptom treatment. It minimizes the complications and effects of the disease and optimizes, at least in the short term, the patients’ level of physical condition and both psychological and social functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of rehabilitation on patients’ quality of life in the terminal phases of cancer. The study involved 15 patients with advanced cancer and limited physical conditions. The Edmonton Functional Assessment Tool (EFAT) was used to measure the quality of life and control the symptoms. During the 28-day study significant improvement was observed in over 50% of the patients in the following: balance, mobility, activities of daily living and motivation, which are inseparable elements of improving the quality of life.