The Effect of the Combined Intervention of Low-Intensity Exercise and Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM) on Physical Activity and Severity of Fatigue in the Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) during chemotherapy and after it and decreased body energy are common problems in patients that do not resolve with sleep and rest. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of combination therapy of low-intensity exercise and slow stroke back massage (SSBM) on physical activity and fatigue intensity of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 92 patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy who were referred to the oncology wards of Baqhaiee-2 hospital Ahvaz-Iran (2018 - 2020). Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Intervention group patients who received three days a week for four weeks that each session 10 minutes for slow stroke back massage and 15 minutes’ low-intensity exercise. Control group patients who received usual care. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and then analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The results showed the intensity of fatigue decreased in the experimental group, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.05). The trend of physical activity increased in the experimental group; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.68). Conclusions: The combination of low-intensity exercise intervention and slow stroke back massage had a positive effect on fatigue severity but no statistically positive effect on physical activity.