Role of Physiotherapy in Hospice Care of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To review the role of physiotherapy and its effects in hospice care of patients with advanced cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and PEDro. The search strategy was devised, articles were screened, and 2 independent reviewers conducted data extraction. Eligible studies were methodologically assessed for quality rating using modified Downs and Black’s checklist. The extracted data was summarized according to site/stage of cancer, details of intervention, outcome measures and the results. Result: The total number of screened articles were 2102, out of which 9 were identified as suitable for the purposes of comprehensive review. The studies included exercise therapy, massage therapy, relaxation therapy, compression bandaging and use of TENS as the various physiotherapy interventions under consideration. Studies were generally of low to moderate quality. A broad range of outcomes were employed including physical symptoms like loss of function, pain, fatigue, edema, sleep disturbances and quality of life. The findings of the studies supported the benefits of the interventions. Conclusion: A structured exercise protocol, massage therapy, TENS and compression bandaging are useful in alleviating the symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer in hospice care. The reduced symptom burden has reflected as an improvement in their quality of life. However, there is a further need for high quality studies to strengthen the findings of this review.

Perception and Knowledge Regarding Role of Physiotherapy in Oral/Mouth Cancer Survivors amongst Non Medical Professionals: An E-Survey

“…87.9% respondents in the present study were aware about the term physiotherapy. 38.1% (n=101) participants had taken physiotherapy treatment for their ailments/problems out of which 29.4% (n=78) felt relief applied over edematous limb and it showed improvement in limb volumes of the subjects This review based study throws light on the scope of physiotherapy in hospice care and its benefits in patients with advanced cancer [14]. Psychological status is one of the major components of Quality of life.…”

The Effect of Movement-Based Mind-Body Therapies on Quality of Life and Function in Older Adults With Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…and K.I.) according to the Modified Downs and Black checklist 29–31. The maximum Modified Downs and Black checklist score an article can receive is 28, with higher scores indicating higher quality.…”

Recommendations for Physiotherapy in Breast and Gynecological Cancer during COVID-19 Pandemic: Literature Review

“…Among the outcomes of this topic, the recommendation to produce a fatigue-related effect followed GRADE classification (Table 2). For the others, the opinion of experts and a systematic review of the literature were considered, including the recommendations of the National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA) 21 and from Vira et al 39 . I -Change in functionality a.…”

“…V -Pain a. Currently, the evidences suggest the use of physiotherapy interventions as an adjunct to the primary line of pain treatment 39 . It is recommended to use resources such as thermotherapy, kinesiotherapy, manual therapy and positioning guidance.…”