THE IMPACT OF DRUG-INDUCED FATIGUE ON PHYSIOTHERAPY COMPLIANCE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Fatigue induced by pharmacological interventions represents a significant yet understudied barrier to physiotherapy adherence, particularly in populations with chronic or complex medical conditions. While drug-induced fatigue is a well-documented side effect of numerous therapeutic agents, its specific impact on patient compliance with physiotherapy regimens remains poorly characterized, necessitating a systematic synthesis of existing evidence. This review aims to elucidate the relationship between drug-induced fatigue and physiotherapy compliance, identifying key mechanisms, risk factors, and potential mitigation strategies. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple academic databases, focusing on peer-reviewed studies that examined fatigue as a drug-related adverse effect and its consequences on rehabilitation adherence. The inclusion criteria prioritized empirical investigations, clinical trials, and observational studies, while exclusion criteria eliminated non-relevant or low-quality sources. The findings reveal that drug-induced fatigue disproportionately affects older adults and individuals with neurological or cardiovascular conditions, often leading to reduced participation in prescribed physiotherapy. Common culprits include sedatives, opioids, and chemotherapeutic agents, which exacerbate fatigue through central nervous system depression or metabolic dysregulation. Notably, interdisciplinary approaches combining pharmacological adjustments and tailored rehabilitation strategies show promise in improving compliance. The review underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness and individualized interventions to address this interplay, ultimately optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships and evaluate the efficacy of proposed management protocols.