Influence of Physical Activity on Pain, Depression and Quality of Life of Patients in Palliative Care: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care not only focuses on physical ailments associated with the disease, but also considers the psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patients. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of physical activity on palliative care patients, with special regard to the subjective assessment of severity of total pain and quality of life. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 92 palliative care patients either in a hospice or at home. The tool used to assess the patients was an original questionnaire focusing on the area of their independence and motor abilities. The study attempted to understand whether an appropriate physical activity and the instruction of palliative care patients and their families in the field of independence would improve the quality of life and reduce the intensity of total pain in the patients. Results: All of the patients were at an advanced stage of cancer. The survey at time “0”, conducted before the start of the instructions for patients and their relatives, showed that a majority of patients (47, 51.09%) often experienced limitations during the performance of daily activities. In the fourth visit, conducted one week after the fourth educational session, there was a significant increase in patients who did not experience any limitations in performing their daily activities or experienced them just sometimes. Conclusions: The ultimate effect of the proposed educational program on physical activity was an increase in the quality of life, a reduction in pain and a mood improvement. These results would need confirmation with more extensive studies.

Factors for Timely Identification of Possible Occurrence of Delirium in Palliative Care: A Prospective Observational Study

“…In this study, we investigated a number of possible risk factors at the time of admission to the PCU, when the delirium episode had not yet happened, allowing us to identify potentially ''delirium-predisposing factors''. Recent data have shown the importance of physical activity on the well-being of PC patients [33]. It would be interesting to explore whether this would also affect the appearance of delirium, and this might be a topic for a future research on those difficult and fragile patients.…”

Factors for a Timely Identification of Possible Occurrence of Delirium in Palliative Care: A Prospective Observational Study

“…Recent data have shown the importance of physical activity on the well-being of palliative care patients [30]. It would be interesting to explore whether this would also the appearance of delirium, and this might be the topic for a future research on those difficult and fragile patients.…”

Veiksniai, Turintieji Įtakos Namuose Slaugomų Paliatyviųjų Pacientų Gyvenimo Kokybei

“…Su sveikata susijusi gyvenimo kokybė apima šešias dimensijas: fizinę, psichologinę, nepriklausomybę, socialinius santykius, aplinką ir asmeninius įsitikinimus. Vertinant gyvenimo kokybę, itin svarbu objektyvią sveikatos būklę atskirti nuo subjektyvios paciento savijautos [11]. Holistinis paliatyviosios pagalbos požiūris gali pagerinti šių pacientų ir jų šeimų gyvenimo kokybę, užtikrindamas ligos eigą, galutinį gyvenimo etapą ir orią mirtį [2].…”