Efficacy of a Home-Based Exercise Program After Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a home-based exercise program on fatigue, anxiety, quality of life (QoL), and immune function of thyroid cancer patients taking thyroid hormone replacement after thyroidectomy. Method: This quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group included 43 outpatients taking thyroid hormone replacement after thyroidectomy (22 in the experimental group and 21 in the control group). After education about the home-based exercise program, subjects in the experimental group underwent 12 weeks of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercise. A comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups. Results: Patients in the experimental group were significantly less fatigued or anxious (p<0.01). They reported significantly improved QoL (p<0.05) compared to those in the control group. Natural killer cell activity was significantly higher in the exercise group compared to that in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: A home-based exercise program is effective in reducing fatigue and anxiety, improving QoL, and increasing immune function in patients taking thyroid hormone replacement after thyroidectomy. Therefore, such a home-based exercise program can be used as an intervention for patients who are taking thyroid hormone replacement after thyroidectomy.