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What is physical functioning?

Physical functioning is the ability to keep up physically with the demands of every day life. It is getting around and the ability to do daily activities.

How do people describe physical functioning?

Activities of daily living, such as: bathing, grooming, cooking, cleaning and eating are part of how people describe functioning. Other parts include getting to work, driving, daily activities and shopping.

What causes changes in physical functioning?

Physical functioning can be affected by feeling weak, tired, low red blood count, infection, pain, fatigue, severe weight loss, or a decreased vitality. The disease itself may alter physical function. This may be especially problematic for older people.

How do people cope with changes in physical functioning?

Here are some tips that people find helpful:

  • Set priorities for activities that must be completed during the day.
  • Delegate activities to others that are not high on a list of important things to do.
  • Use a cane or walker to prevent falls.
  • Let others help with housework, chores or meal preparation.
  • Select important things to do first.
  • Change work schedule.
  • Consider reducing work hours, or taking time off during the weeks of cancer treatment.
  • Do exercises of arms and legs for 5-10 minutes daily. (Range of motion)
  • Routine, daily exercise.
  • Check with the doctor about how much exercise and activity to be doing.
  • Keep active and walk each day.
  • Set home up to be safe (no throw rugs or clutter).
What can family members and friends do to help with changes in my physical functioning?
  • Ask family members and friends to do the grocery and other shopping for you.
  • Ask family members and friends to prepare meals.
  • Ask for transportation help from family and friends.
  • Ask for assistance with household chores.
  • Ask family members and friends to help prioritize the “to do” list.
  • Ask family members and friends to take walks with the patient.
How can one talk with family members and friends about physical functioning?
  • Ask family members and friends for suggestions on how to prioritize work at home and in the workplace.
  • Tell family members and friends how changes in physical functioning are affecting mood and emotions.
  • Ask how these changes are affecting your family and friends.
What should be reported to my doctor or nurse?
  • Severe numbness, weakness, or poor coordination.
  • Changes in physical functioning that interfere with your ability to carry out your basic activities of caring for yourself.
  • Changes that keep you limited to a bed or chair for more than 24 hours.
  • Uncontrollable pain.
  • Loss of control of a limb.
  • Fever > 100.4º F for 24 hours.
  • Unable to walk.
  • Swelling of lower extremities.
Where can I get more information?
  • Call the American Cancer Society at: 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit on the internet at: http://www.cancer.org. Click on Patients, Family & Friends, then on Coping with Treatment, followed by Coping with Physical and Emotional Changes. Click on Taking Care of Someone at Home under Side Effects followed by Difficulty in Moving.
  • Visit the Family Care Research Program on the internet at http://www.cancercare.msu.edu.
References:
  • Given, B., Given, C.W., McCorkle, R., Kozachik, S., Cimprich, B., Rahbar, M.H., & Wojcik, C. (2002). Pain and fatigue management: results of a nursing randomized clinical trial. Oncology Nursing Forum, 29(6), 1-14.
  • Mock, V., Dow, K.H., Meares, C., Grimm, P., Dienemann, J., Haisfield-Wolfe, M.E., et al. (1997). Effects of exercise on fatigue, physical functioning, and emotional distress during radiation therapy for breast cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 24, 991-1000.
  • Mock, V., Picket, M., Ropka, M., Lin, E., Stewart, K., Rhodes, V., et al. (2001). Fatigue, physical functioning, emotional distress, and quality of life outcomes of a walking intervention during breast cancer treatment. Cancer Practice, 9, 119-127.
  • Armstrong, T.S. (2003). Symptoms experience: a concept analysis. Oncology Nursing Forum, 30(4), 601-606.
  • Dodd, M., Miakowski, C., & Paul, S.M. (2001). Symptom clusters and their effects on the functional status of patients with cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 28, 465-470.
  • Given, B., Given, C., Azzouz, F., & Stommel, M. (2001). Physical functioning of elderly cancer patients prior to diagnosis and following initial treatment. Nursing Research, 50, 222-232.
  • Holley, S. (2002). A look at the problem of falls among people with cancer. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 6(4), 193-197.