Exercise Counseling In Integrative Cancer Care: Effects On Patient Self-Reported Symptoms And Quality Of Life.

227Background: Exercise has shown benefits for cancer prevention and contributes to improved treatment-related outcomes. We reviewed characteristics of cancer patients referred for physical therapist-led exercise counseling at a comprehensive cancer center and its effects on self-reported symptoms and quality of life. Methods: Patients presenting for outpatient exercise counseling from February 2016 to May 2017 completed the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS; 0-10 scale, 10 most severe) pre/post-encounter and PROMIS10 global health assessment pre-encounter. ESAS individual items and subscales of Physical Distress (PHS), Psychological Distress (PSS), and Global Distress (GDS) were analyzed. We used paired t-tests to compare: (1) ESAS symptoms before and after each encounter and (2) ESAS and PROMIS10 scores at baseline and first follow-up. Results: Of 350 participants, most were female (77.7%), white (66.3%), and had breast (43%) cancer; 31% had at least one follow-up visit with the physical therapist...