First published on January 15, 2009
Physical Therapy 2009;89:286.
Physical Therapy
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20070309
A Framework for Assessment in Oncology Rehabilitation
Laura S Gilchrist,
Mary Lou Galantino,
Meredith Wampler,
Victoria G Marchese,
G Stephen Morris and
Kirsten K Ness
LS Gilchrist, PT, PhD, is Associate Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, College of St Catherine, 601 25th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454 (USA), and Clinical Research Scientist, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
ML Galantino, PT, PhD, is Professor of Physical therapy, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona, NJ, and Adjunct Research Scholar, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
M Wampler, PT, DPTSc, is Physical Therapist, Harrison Medical Center, Bremerton, Washington.
VG Marchese, PT, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pennsylvania, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
GS Morris, PT, PhD, is Director of Clinical Research in Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
KK Ness, PT, PhD, is Assistant Member, Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
lsgilchrist{at}stkate.edu
Although the incidence of cancer in the United States is high, improvements in early diagnosis and treatment have significantly increased survival rates in recent years. Many survivors of cancer experience lasting, adverse effects caused by either their disease or its treatment. Physical therapy interventions, both established and new, often can reverse or ameliorate the impairments (body function and structure) found in these patients, improving their ability to carry out daily tasks and actions (activity) and to participate in life situations (participation). Measuring the efficacy of physical therapy interventions in each of these dimensions is challenging but essential for developing and delivering optimal care for these patients. This article describes the acute and long-term effects of cancer and its treatment and the use of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a basis for selection of assessment or outcome tools and diagnostic or screening tools in this population.

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Copyright © 2009 by the American Physical Therapy Association.