Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Controlled intervention studies of adult cancer patients, with a sample size of 15 or greater, were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies in which fatigue was investigated during or immediately after treatment for cancer were included. Of the studies included in the review: three investigated the effect of a walking or exercise programme; five described the effect of individual counselling by professionals or former cancer patients; two evaluated the effect of supportive or psychiatric group meetings; one study used participating in engrossing activities; and finally, one study used a virtual reality system.
Participants included in the review
Adult cancer patients were included. The sample of patients in the reviewed studies consisted mainly of breast cancer patients in five studies. Other studies involved people with gynaecological cancer, malignant melanoma or samples of people with different diagnoses. The age range was 23 to 84 years.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Fatigue was assessed. The Profile of Mood States fatigue questionnaire was the most frequently used measurement of fatigue.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the reviewers performed the selection.