Determination of the factors affecting the functional capacity in patients with ovarian cancer

Objective: To identify the factors determining functional capacity in patients with ovarian cancer. Method:24 patients diagnosed as stage II-III ovarian cancer were included the study. Functional capacity were assessed by six minute walk test (6MWT), physical activity level with armband, performance status with Eastern Coorperative Oncology Group Performance Scale (ECOG-PS), pain with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), fatigue level with Checklist Individual Strength (CIS), Quality of life with Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Over (FACT-O), Neuropathy with Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment / Gynecological Oncology -Neurotoxicity (FECT/GOG-NTX), peripheral muscle strength with hand-held dynamometer (HHD), hand grip strength with Jamar hand dynamometer, respiratory muscle strength with intraocular pressure instrument, functional mobility and performance with time up go test and sit to stand test, balance with Balance Master System, anxiety and depression with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS ). Results: 6MWT Distance had a corelations with ECOG-PS score (r = -0.438, p = 0.032), shoulder flexion force (r = 0.481, p = 0.017), shoulder abduction force (r = 0.421, p = 0.046), hand grip strength (r = 0.452, p=0030), METs (r = 0.414, p = 0.044) and neuropathy score (r = 0.417, p = 0.043) There was no relationship between 6MWT distance and other parameters (p> 0.05). Conclusion: In order to enhance the functional capacity in patients with ovarian cancer, increasing the muscle strength, increasing physical activity and reducing neuropathy may be effective. In order to increase functional capacity, it is thought that inclusion of physiotherapy and rehabilitation applications in the planned treatment program will be beneficial. Key Words: Ovarian cancer, functional capacity, physical activity, muscle strength