Effect of aerobic exercise on cancer pain in metastatic solid tumors patients receiving palliative radiotherapy

Purpose: The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise on cancer pain in patients with solid metastatic tumors receiving palliative radiotherapy. Methods: Thirty-six patients from both genders were included in this study. Their ages were ≥ 18 years. They were randomly divided into two groups equal in number (each 18 patients). Procedures: Group Ι (Study group) received the program of aerobic exercise using the bicycle ergometer (30 minute per session) 5 sessions per week for 2 weeks in parallel with the palliative radiotherapy and Group II (control group) received the palliative radiotherapy protocol only. Pain was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the blood Cortisol level was assessed before and after the program (2 weeks). Results: Post treatment comparison between both groups revealed a significant reduction in cortisol level and VAS of the study group in comparison with that of the control group. There was a significant reduction in cortisol level and VAS post-treatment compared with that of pretreatment in the study group (p > 0.001). The correlation between VAS and cortisol level was a positive and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.68, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: Short term moderate intensity aerobic exercise led to a significant decrease in cancer pain and blood cortisol (stress hormone) level in solid metastatic tumors patients receiving palliative radiotherapy.