Physiotherapy Effects on Function, Ambulation, and Independence in Palliative Cancer Care

Short-Term Effects of Physiotherapy on Functional Status, Ambulation, and Independence in Palliative Care Cancer Patients at Jazan Specialist Hospital: A Prospective Quasi Experimental Study

This study examines the short-term effects of physiotherapy on functional status, ambulation, and independence among patients admitted to the palliative care unit at Jazan Specialist Hospital. The study hypothesizes that a short-term individualized physiotherapy program will lead to measurable improvements in functional outcomes as assessed by the Barthel Index (BI), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS).

A prospective single-group pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Palliative Care Unit at Jazan Specialist Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia, between August 2025 and April 2026. Sixty patients were managed during the study period; of these, 32 patients with complete paired pre- and post-intervention assessments were included in the final statistical analysis. Patients received an individualized physiotherapy program once daily for one week (7 sessions), with each session lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. The intervention included range-of-motion exercises, manual therapy, strengthening exercises, stretching, mobility training, transfer training, ambulation exercises, positioning, and chest physiotherapy. Outcome measures included the Barthel Index (BI), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS). Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the palliative care unit with a confirmed diagnosis of advanced cancer.
2. Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) score of 40 or above.
3. Clinically stable and conscious at the time of recruitment.
4. Capable of providing informed consent, either personally or through a legal guardian.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pre-terminal or unstable clinical condition that precluded safe physiotherapy participation. 2. PPS score below 40 indicating severely reduced functional status.

3. Unconsciousness or inability to engage meaningfully in physiotherapy sessions.