36 weeks of Multicomponent Training Reverse Strength Sequels in Mastectomy Arm, Improves Functional Fitness and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Machine Learning-Assisted Experimental Trial

Abstract

Purpose: In addition, the study aimed to explore the predictive factors influencing improvements in mastectomy arm's strength over the follow-up time. Methods: It was a single-arm trial, with 8 female breast cancer survivors aged 64 (± 8.6) years old. Results: There were statistically significant results along the three moments for reductions in body mass index (BMI) (-2.55 % change from baseline, p = 0.001, large ES) and in fat mass percentage (FM%) (-10.9% change from baseline, p < 0.001, large ES), increases in upper limb strength (ULS) (105% change, p < 0.001, large ES), in upper limb strength in the arm that underwent surgery intervention (ULSint) (192.8% change from baseline, p < 0.001, large ES), lower limb strength (LLS) (45% change from baseline, p < 0.001, large ES), upper limb flexibility (ULF) (50% change from baseline, p < 0.013, moderate ES, lower limb flexibility (LLF) (102% change from baseline, p < 0.001, large ES), aerobic resistance (AR) (263.5% change from baseline, p < 0.001, large ES), and from second to third moment in dynamic balance (DB) (-20.4% change from 6 months, p = 0.003, large ES). For the QoL, there were improvements along three moments in activities of daily (AD) functionality (50% change from baseline, p = 0.004), emotional function (33% change from baseline, p = 0.01, moderate ES), reduction in pain perception from second to third moment (-66.8% change from baseline, p = 0.002, small ES), and reduction in the perception of fatigue (-75% change from baseline, p = 0.03, large ES), and improvement in global health and QoL (57% change from baseline, p = 0.003, moderate ES). The feature selection analysis identified that AF was the best variable to predict improvements in the mastectomy arm’s strength of the participants (r = 0.60, predicted mastectomy arm’s strength = 18 repetitions, RMSE = 2.53, R2 = 0.74). Conclusion: In summary, 36 weeks of MCT was a powerful intervention to reduce BMI and FM%, improved the FF and the QoL aspects, emotional aspects, perception of fatigue, and the perception of global health and QoL of BC survivors, with good adherence and without prejudicial effects. AF forecasted good values of the participant’s mastectomy arm’s strength over the follow-up.