Effectiveness Of Structured Physiotherapy Protocol On Physical Discomfort And Psychological Well-Being In Palliative Care Settings

Authors

  • Sunaina Lad
  • Trupti Yadav

Keywords:

Physiotherapy, Palliative Care, Physical discomfort, psychological well-being, Quality of life

Abstract

Background: Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with life- limiting illnesses by addressing both physical and psychological challenges. Physiotherapy serves as a crucial non-pharmacological intervention, aiding in pain management, fatigue reduction, and mobility enhancement while also alleviating anxiety and depression. Through structured exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods, physiotherapy fosters independence and overall well-being. Physiotherapists play a vital role in preserving functional abilities, challenging the assumption of inevitable decline. Key benefits include pain relief, enhanced mobility, and effective symptom management.

Materials & Methodology: The Interventional study included total of 51 individuals. They were assessed pre- and post-interventions using ESAS tool & EORTC QLQ C15 PAL questionnaire.

Results: The results suggests that the structured physiotherapy protocol was highly effective in improving symptoms or outcomes. The tailored interventions reduced pain, fatigue, and breathlessness, while improving overall quality of life.

Conclusion: This study shows that structured physiotherapy protocol can effectively alleviate physical discomfort and improve psychological well-being in palliative care patients. Integrating physiotherapy into palliative care can better address patients' complex needs.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact- sheets/detail/palliative-care,

Barawid, Edward & Covarrubias, Natalia & Tribuzio, Bianca & Liao, Solomon. (2013).: The Benefits of Rehabilitation for Palliative Care Patients.. The American journal of hospice & palliative care. 32. . 10.1177/1049909113514474.

Bennardi M., Diviani N., Gamondi C., et al.: Palliative care utilization in oncology and hemato-oncology: a systematic review of cognitive barriers and facilitators from the perspective of healthcare professionals, adult patients, and their families.. 10.1186/s12904- 020-00556-7

Kumar, S., & Jim, A. (2010: Physical therapy in palliative care: A systematic review. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. 27:195-202. 10.4103/0973- 1075.73670

Ogundunmade BG, John DO, Chigbo NN: Ensuring quality of life in palliative care physiotherapy in developing countries. . Front Rehabil Sci. 2024 Feb. 10.3389/fresc.2024.1331885

Frymark U, Hallgren L, Reisberg A: Physiotherapy in palliative care-a clinical handbook. Dostopno na: (Datum dostopa: 5. 10. 20112010212023.

https://albertametis.com/app/uploads/2022/01/ESAS-Tool_V4.pdf.

EORTC QLQ-C15 PAL: .

Ren J, Li Z, He Y, Gao H, Li J, Tao J: Systematic review and meta-analysis of breathing exercises effects on lung function and quality of life in postoperative lung cancer patients. J Thorac Dis. 2024, 30:4295-4309.

Campbell KL, Winters-Stone KM, Wiskemann J, et al.: Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019, 51:2375-2390. 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002116.

Rodríguez-Cañamero S, Cobo-Cuenca AI, Carmona-Torres JM, et al.: Impact of physical exercise in advanced-stage cancer patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med. 2022, 11:3714-3727.

Buss, T., Ross, J., & Reynolds, J. (2015: Physiotherapy in palliative care. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 50:431-436. 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.04.008

Gomes B, Higginson I J, Calanzani N, et al.: Preferences for place of death if faced with advanced cancer: A population survey in England, Flanders, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Annals of Oncology. 24:2006- 2015. 10.1093/annonc/mdr602

Phokontsi, Lesley,Mweetwa, Larry,Bpharm Msc Clinpharm Msc Pv Phd Pharmacology, Larry : A Systematic Review of the Role of Physiotherapy Interventions in Palliative Care. 32:768-780. 10.20944/preprints202004.0519.v1

Brugliera L., Spina A., Castellazzi P., et al.: Rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 52:00046. 10.2340/16501977-2678

McNeely, M. L., Parliament, M. B., & Seikaly, H. (2015: Does exercise improve outcomes in patients with cancer?. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 187:793- 794. 10.1503/cmaj.150643

Harris , S. E. : The impact of exercise on mental health. Journal of Clinical Psychology. 62:179-191. 10.1002/jclp.20222

Downloads

Published

2025-06-09

How to Cite

1.
Lad S, Yadav T. Effectiveness Of Structured Physiotherapy Protocol On Physical Discomfort And Psychological Well-Being In Palliative Care Settings. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025Jun.9 [cited 2025Jun.20];14(31S):608-15. Available from: https://jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/7234