Effects of cognitive behavior therapy combined with Baduanjin in patients with colorectal cancer

Author: Zheng-Gen Lin1, Ren-Dong Li2, Fu-Lu Ai3, Song Li4, Xin-An Zhang5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> School of Social and Physical Education, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110102, Liaoning Province, China. <sup>2</sup> Physical Education Department, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, Liaoning Province, China. <sup>3</sup> Department of General Surgery (VIP Ward), Liaoning Tumor Hospital, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China. <sup>4</sup> Martial Arts and Dance Academy, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110102, Liaoning Province, China. cuiluxiang@syty.edu.cn. <sup>5</sup> College of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang 110102, Liaoning Province, China.
Conference/Journal: World J Gastrointest Oncol
Date published: 2022 Jan 15
Other: Volume ID: 14 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 319-333 , Special Notes: doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i1.319. , Word Count: 318


Background:
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common concomitant symptom in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Such patients often present with subjective fatigue state accompanied by cognitive dysfunction, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients.

Aim:
To explore the effects of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) combined with Baduanjin exercise on CRF, cognitive impairment, and quality of life in patients with CRC after chemotherapy, and to provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for rehabilitation of CRC after chemotherapy.

Methods:
Fifty-five patients with CRC after radical resection and chemotherapy were randomly divided into either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group received the intervention of CBT combined with exercise intervention for 6 mo, and indicators were observed and measured at baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo to evaluate the intervention effect.

Results:
Compared with the baseline values, in the experimental group 3 mo after intervention, cognitive function, quality of life score, and P300 amplitude and latency changes were significantly better (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, at 3 mo, the experimental group had significant differences in CRF, P300 amplitude, and quality of life score (P < 0.05), as well as significant differences in P300 latency and cognitive function (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, at 6 mo, CRF, P300 amplitude, P300 latency, cognitive function and quality of life score were further improved in the experimental group, with significant differences (P < 0.01). The total score of CRF and the scores of each dimension were negatively correlated with quality of life (P < 0.05), while the total score of cognitive impairment and the scores of each dimension were positively correlated with quality of life (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
CBT combined with body-building Baduanjin exercise can improve CRF and cognitive impairment in CRC patients after chemotherapy, and improve their quality of life.

Keywords: Baduanjin exercise; Cancer-related fatigue; Cognitive behavior therapy; Cognitive function; Colorectal cancer; Quality of life.

PMID: 35116119 PMCID: PMC8790406 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i1.319