Research Proposal on Strengthening Program

Question: Discuss about the Research Proposal on Strengthening Program. Answer: Introduction: A recent survey by the National Cancer Registry of Malaysia revealed that almost 100,000 people are living with cancer (Lerman et al., 2012). Longer existence and increasing population contribute to an increase rate of cancer, where almost 10% occurs in children, 35% in women and 50% in men (Farooqui et al., 2012). Effectiveness of the cancer treatments depend upon the intensity of the damage caused to the patients health, gender, age and other associated factors (Rufa'i et al., 2016). So, treatment for one individual might not be effective for another with same type of condition. This further indicates a need to tailor disease-specific and patient-specific needs to optimize outcomes, adherence and behavioral changes among cancer patients and survivors. Application of behavioral change theories is especially useful in understanding physical activities in different cancer survivor groups. However, Siegel et al., (2012) stated that exercise after or during cancer treatment developed ri sk factors related to cancer diagnosis. In spite of the known advantages of the physical activities, exercise rate may drastically decrease during the treatment and may remain low after completion of the treatment, which leads to inactive lifestyle. Alternatively, Blaney et al., (2013) demonstrated that majority of the cancer survivors are motivated with exercise advice and show more interest in taking part in various exercise programs. Rajotte et al., (2012) in this regard have mentioned that cancer survivors feel confused to initiate a training program without structured intervention. Rufa'i et al. (2016) demonstrated that taking part in physical programs has positive effect on overall quality of life and health, while, physical inactivity is related with poor prognosis among the cancer survivors. Despite health-enhancing advantages of physical activities, the Malaysian cancer survivors are physically inactive. This indicates that intervention, which is tailored towards current ph ysical activities, is more extensively accepted. Majorly, breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer colorectal cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer are prevalent within the population. It is emerging as a major cause of death because of avoidable life-style risk factors, for instance: exposure to smoke, alcohol, poor diet, overweight and inadequate exercise (Brown et al., 2012). This has attracted focus of the health care authorities worldwide for the development in early finding and treatment, which would result in better survival rate for the cancer affected individuals. Therefore, initiatives like strengthening program and physical wellbeing intervention for cancer survivors are highly significant. Statement of Problem Physical activities provide various health related benefits to the cancer survivors during and after treatment, irrespective of the gender. Persistent fatigue, cognitive impairment and physical de-conditioning are reported by the cancer survivors. Lee et al., (2013) demonstrated incidences of elevated body fat, hyperlipidemia, reduced functioning of musculoskeletal system, emotional distress and poor aerobic performance among the survivors. There are literature that explored the significance of light physical activities for the cancer survivors, however, major gap exists that fails to establish a strong connection between psychological and physical benefits of exercise programs among the cancer survivors (Loh Musa, 2015; Selamat et al., 2014). This indicates a need to focus on strengthening programs that would improve aerobic performance, functioning of musculoskeletal system, eliminate emotional stress and improve cognition within this community. Nevertheless, evidence showed that strengthening program includes yoga practices, sequential postures, breathing exercise and meditations that promote patients overall wellness by applying mind and body association and reduce stress (Player et al., 2014). Some study showed efficacies of light exercise among cancer survivors but in elderly individuals and not in young population (Rajotte et al. 2012). Research Objective To investigate the effect of pilate exercise on cognition And physical functioning of the female cancer survivors To carry out a systematic review to understand the best non pharmacological intervention for cancer patients To understand rate of adherence to physical strengthening programs Research Methodology 25 cancer survivors and 5students, who are fulfilling the exclusion and inclusion criteria of the present research, would be recruited based on their doctors advice. Inclusion criteria would be female patients falling under the age group between 18-60years. Pregnant females, individual with functional immobility and dementia would be excluded from the present research. Informed consent would be obtained from the participants, which ensures that the research will be carried out under strict ethical consideration. The participants would be exposed to 3times weekly exercise for six months and provided with log books to monitor at home. Individual session duration will be for 30minutes. The practice would involve pilate exercise, relaxation and breathing. The participants will be provided with a set of questions on lifestyle history, cancer diagnosis history, related medical issues, treatment and personal background prior beginning the study. Cognition and physical functioning measures w ould be assessed thrice throughout the course: at the initial phase, after 3 and 6months. The tests would include primary measures: SUPPHand secondary measures: CBI B, physical- body composition (muscle vs. fat), endurance/stamina, better function like improved functioning better, improvement in sleep monitoring by sleep diary and diet improvement in terms of better nutrition monitoring by food diary. The measures would be analyzed using ANOVA. The calculation would consider 95% confidence level with 5% margin of error. The pilate practice would be correlated with the betterment of overall participants health. Health improvement in turn would make the patients feel motivated and reduce stress level. Significance of the Research As a prospective research, it looks at the consequences like effectiveness of the pilate exercise in improving the psychological and physical areas. Provides recommendation to the cancer survivors within the community and acts as a supportive document that pilate exercise, as a strengthening program would improve overall health of the cancer survivors. Teaches the community about physical core strengthening and endurance by providing lifestyle education for instance better nutrition, better sleep. Provides scope to carry out further research on non-pharmacological interventions to improve the wellbeing of cancer survivors, by focusing on specific types of cancer. References Blaney, J. M., Lowe?Strong, A., Rankin?Watt, J., Campbell, A., Gracey, J. H. (2013). Cancer survivors' exercise barriers, facilitators and preferences in the context of fatigue, quality of life and physical activity participation: a questionnairesurvey.Psycho?Oncology,22(1), 186-194. Brown, J. C., Huedo-Medina, T. B., Pescatello, L. S., Ryan, S. M., Pescatello, S. M., Moker, E., Johnson, B. T. (2012). The efficacy of exercise in reducing depressive symptoms among cancer survivors: a meta-analysis.PLoS One,7(1), e30955. Farooqui, M., Hassali, M. A., Knight, A., Shafie, A. A., Farooqui, M. A., Saleem, F., Aljadhey, H. (2012). Cross Sectional Assessment of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among patients with cancer in Malaysia.Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention: APJCP,14(5), 3017-3021. Lee, D. H., Kim, J. Y., Lee, M. K., Lee, C., Min, J. H., Jeong, D. H., Jones, L. W. (2013). Effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program on the level of physical activity, insulin, and cytokines in colorectal cancer survivors: a pilot study.Supportive Care in Cancer,21(9), 2537-2545. Lerman, R., Jarski, R., Rea, H., Gellish, R., Vicini, F. (2012). Improving symptoms and quality of life of female cancer survivors: a randomized controlled study.Annals of surgical oncology,19(2), 373-378. Loh, S. Y., Musa, A. N. (2015). 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