Effect of Home-based Rehabilitation for Cancer Patients with Care Needs and Cachexia

Hierarchical Bayesian Estimation of Barthel Index Gains

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of home-based rehabilitation (home rehab) on Barthel Index (BI) gains in cancer patients with care needs and cachexia.

Methods: A total of 49 individuals who received home rehab for at least six months were analyzed. Age, Sex, body mass index, grip strength, Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), frequency of home rehab per week (home rehab frequency), living environment, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were used as explanatory variables, and the BI gain after 6 months as the dependent variable. The analysis was done using a hierarchical Bayesian model.

Results: The average BI gain was 10.9 points (95% credible interval: 3.4 to 16.9). Higher home rehab frequency and higher MMSE values were positively associated with BI gain, whereas age, FTSST, and CRP levels showed negative associations.

Conclusion: Home-based rehabilitation suggests the possibility of being effective in improving BI in cancer patients with care needs and cachexia.