Assessment of physical function in geriatric oncology based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework

Abstract Older patients with cancer may have multiple physical impairments, such as limitation in range of motion, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and balance and gait dysfunction. A patient’s physical function may be further limited by pain, fatigue, depression, and shortness of breath that hasten the deconditioning process and affect their overall quality of life. Understanding the common impairments in cancer would help the therapist to assess and treat them effectively; thus, this article aims to provide an overview of functional limitations associated with cancer and its treatments and the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a keystone for selection of appropriate outcome measures to assess physical function that would help the physiotherapist to design an effective treatment for older patients with cancer.
Source: Current Geriatrics Reports - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research