Walking as an intervention during chemotherapy: integrative review

Abstract

Background: Walking has been used as a health promotion and symptom relief intervention in patients with cancer during chemotherapy. Objective: To map the existing literature on the use of walking as an intervention in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methodology: Integrative review of articles found in MEDLINE®and CINAHL® databases. The review protocol was designed and the thematic categorization was performed. Results: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 primary studies published between 2010 and 2017 were considered for analysis. Five relevant thematic areas were identified: duration, frequency, and monitoring of walking during chemotherapy; adherence to the walking intervention; effects on psychological and physical symptoms; target population; and assessment tools. Conclusion: Despite the advantages of the walking intervention during chemotherapy, evidence on its use as a nursing intervention is still scarce, with further research being required in this area.