Table 5 Comparison of fatigue between patients with breast cancer and controls at baseline (T0)

Parameter

Cancer (n = 20)

Mean ± SD

Control (n = 36)

Mean ± SD

p-value

General fatigue

10.9 ± 3.4

9.3 ± 3.8

0.093

Physical fatigue

10.1 ± 4.6

9.2 ± 3.7

0.419

Decreased activity

11.6 ± 4.0

7.4 ± 3.0

 < 0.001*

Decreased motivation

7.9 ± 3.2

6.6 ± 2.5

0.161

Mental fatigue

8.7 ± 4.8

8.6 ± 4.4

0.546

Effects of 12 weeks of chemotherapy on fatigue in patients with breast cancer

Parameter

Baseline (T0) (n = 14)

Mean ± SD

Follow-up (T1) (n = 14)

Mean ± SD

p-value

General fatigue

10.9 ± 3.4

14.5 ± 3.3

0.297

Physical fatigue

10.1 ± 4.6

14.9 ± 3.1

0.027*

Decreased activity

11.6 ± 4.0

12.9 ± 3.5

0.235

Decreased motivation

7.9 ± 3.2

9.4 ± 3.9

0.002*

Mental fatigue

8.7 ± 4.8

8.9 ± 4.1

0.004*