International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160   •   Impact Factor: 9.24

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Volume 8 Issue 4
July-August 2026

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Effectiveness of Combined Simple Aerobic Exercise and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise in Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue among Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author(s) Dr. Bhaskara Rao Jagurothula
Country India
Abstract Background
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Unlike ordinary fatigue, CRF is persistent, disproportionate to recent activity, and is not completely relieved by rest. It negatively affects physical functioning, emotional well-being, cognitive performance, and overall quality of life. Exercise-based rehabilitation has emerged as a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing CRF. Simple aerobic exercise enhances cardiovascular endurance and functional capacity, while diaphragmatic breathing promotes relaxation, improves respiratory efficiency, and reduces psychological stress. However, limited evidence exists regarding the combined effectiveness of these two interventions in reducing fatigue among patients with cancer.

Objective
To determine the effectiveness of combined simple aerobic exercise and diaphragmatic breathing exercise in reducing cancer-related fatigue and improving functional capacity and quality of life among cancer patients.

Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 60 adult cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe cancer-related fatigue. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups comprising 30 participants each. The experimental group received conventional physiotherapy along with simple aerobic exercise and diaphragmatic breathing exercises, whereas the control group received conventional physiotherapy alone. The intervention was administered five sessions per week for six weeks. Outcome measures included the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Assessments were performed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 29 with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.

Results
The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in fatigue severity, functional exercise capacity, perceived exertion, and quality of life compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Participants receiving the combined intervention showed greater improvements in FACIT-F scores and Six-Minute Walk Test distances, indicating enhanced physical endurance and reduced fatigue.

Conclusion
Combined simple aerobic exercise and diaphragmatic breathing exercise constitute an effective and feasible rehabilitation strategy for reducing cancer-related fatigue in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Incorporating these interventions into routine oncology rehabilitation programmes may improve physical performance, alleviate fatigue, and enhance overall quality of life.
Keywords Cancer-related fatigue; Aerobic exercise; Diaphragmatic breathing; Oncology rehabilitation; Physiotherapy; Functional capacity; Quality of life; Randomized controlled trial.
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On 2026-07-29
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84834
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CrossRef DOI prefix of IJFMR is 10.36948/ijfmr

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