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Physical Performance and Functional Status in Older Adults with Cancer and Frailty

Welford, Jenny; Woods, Jennifer; Duque, Sofia; Gomes, Fabio

Authors

Jenny Welford

Jennifer Woods

Sofia Duque

Fabio Gomes



Abstract

Physical performance and function are important predictive measures in the care of older adults, whether addressing quality of life and wellbeing or more traditional cancer outcomes such as survival and treatment toxicity. Therefore, assessment of physical performance and function has a role in cancer treatment decisions; however, this often remains based on subjective assessments and chronological age misconceptions. Poor physical performance and functional status are related to frailty, a state of increased vulnerability to developing disability and dependency, when a person is exposed to stressful events, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment. Physical performance and functional status are key domains of comprehensive geriatric assessment which is not only the standard methodology for planning care in geriatric patients but is also strongly recommended by oncology scientific societies, who advocate the engagement of multidisciplinary teams. To implement effective strategies to maintain or improve physical performance and functional status aimed at also improving cancer outcomes, it is critical to recognise and intervene in every determinant such as comorbidity, nutrition, social factors, cognition and symptoms caused by cancer or its treatment. This chapter will highlight physical performance and function determinants in older patients with cancer and frailty, providing an overview of key standardised assessments and interventions to early identify pre-clinical disability and maintain or improve a person’s physical performance and function.

Online Publication Date Feb 15, 2022
Publication Date Feb 16, 2022
Deposit Date Jan 21, 2025
Publisher Springer
Pages 133-152
Book Title Frailty in Older Adults with Cancer
Chapter Number 8
ISBN 9783030891619
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89162-6_8


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