Muscle Endurance, Cancer-related Fatigue, and Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer Survivors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2011

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Muscle & Nerve

Source ISSN

1097-4598

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1002/mus.21913

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we investigated muscle and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in prostate cancer survivors (CS) undergoing radiotherapy (RT).

Methods: In 13 CS and 12 controls, CRF was assessed by the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale—Depression subscale (CES-D), physical activity (accelerometer), and hemoglobin levels (Hb). Muscle measures included strength, activation, contractile properties, and endurance during intermittent dorsiflexion. Testing occurred before and after 6 weeks of RT in CS.

Results: After RT, the PFS score increased from initial levels in CS only without changes in sleepiness, depression, or physical activity. Hb decreased in CS only [mean (SD): pre, 15 (1.1); post, 14.5 (1.1) g/dl; P = 0.04]. Endurance decreased in CS [mean (SD): pre, 519 (340) s; post, 388 (203) s; P = 0.04] and increased in controls [mean (SD: pre, 616 (387) s; post, 753 (553) s; P = 0.03]. Only endurance was associated with PFS in CS (r = -0.55, P = 0.05).

Discussion: Muscle endurance is impaired after RT and may contribute to CRF in CS.

Comments

Muscle & Nerve, Vol. 43, No. 3 (March 2011): 415-424. DOI.

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