Feasibility of performance‐based functional assessment in brain tumour survivors. (5th May 2020) - Spychka, Ryan A.
Abstract: Introduction: Rehabilitation and exercise interventions are beneficial for the physical and psychological health of cancer survivors. Current clinic‐based performance status measures do not accurately capture the survivor's functioning, or rehabilitation and exercise needs. Our primary objective was to explore the feasibility of performing a performance‐based functional assessment with brain tumour survivors as a means to inform needs for rehabilitation and exercise. Methods: A feasibility study was conducted with survivors of brain and other neurological cancers attending new patient or follow‐up clinics. Survivors were assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength and Rosow–Breslau Physical Activity Self‐Assessment (RSB). Results: We approached 40 survivors with brain tumours, and 30 agreed to participate in the study. The SPPB was inversely correlated with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores ( r = −.73; p < .01), but scores on the SPPB for individuals classified as ECOG 1 ranged from 5 to 12 out of 12, indicating a large variability in functional scores within this ECOG grade. Conclusion: Implementation of objective functional testing is feasible in the neuro‐oncology outpatient clinic. The SPPB appears to best inform the functional status of survivors with brain tumours, facilitating more individualised exercise and rehabilitation referrals.