ABSTRACT:
Aim: To assess the effectiveness of moderate intensity exercise on radiation related fatigue among patients with breast cancer. Materials and methods: Quasi experimental pre and post-test control design was used. The sample size consisted of 60 breast cancer patients. The conceptual framework set up for the study was modified Stuffle Beam’s evaluation model. Consecutive sampling technique was used. The tool used for data collection was Fatigue Assessment Scale. Patients in experimental group were given home based walking for about 100 steps per minute performed for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks, during radiation therapy. The data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Half of them (50%) in experimental group had severe fatigue whereas after exercise only 4 (13.3%) of them had severe fatigue. There was a significant improvement in mean post-test level of fatigue 22.87 in experimental group (MD=8.56, t=9.24, p<0.05) which was lesser than the mean pre-test level of fatigue score 31.43. Conclusion: The study concluded that moderate intensity exercise was effective in reducing radiation related fatigue among patients with breast cancer.