A multimodal physiotherapy programme plus deep water running for improving cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of aquatic-based exercise in the form of deep water running (DWR) as part of a multimodal physiotherapy programme (MMPP) for breast cancer survivors. A controlled clinical trial was conducted in 42 primary breast cancer survivors recruited from community-based Primary Care Centres. Patients in the experimental group received a MMPP incorporating DWR, 3 times a week, for an 8-week period. The control group received a leaflet containing instructions to continue with normal activities. Statistically significant improvements and intergroup effect size were found for the experimental group for Piper Fatigue Scale-Revised total score (d = 0.7, P = 0.001), as well as behavioural/severity (d = 0.6, P = 0.05), affective/meaning (d = 1.0, P = 0.001) and sensory (d = 0.3, P = 0.03) domains. Statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups were also found for general health (d = 0.5, P < 0.05) and quality of life (d = 1.3, P < 0.05). All participants attended over 80% of sessions, with no major adverse events reported. The results of this study suggest MMPP incorporating DWR decreases cancer-related fatigue and improves general health and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Further, the high level of adherence and lack of adverse events indicate such a programme is safe and feasible.

Effect of Home- and Community-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Physical Function Among Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…After the second phase of screening, an additional 47 articles were excluded for the following reasons: secondary analysis of an intervention (n=3), 37–39 included children (n=3), 40–42 not a physical activity intervention (n=3), 43–45 observational study design (n=10), 9, 46–54 single-arm intervention design (n=11), 17, 55–64 non-randomized trial (n=1), 65 did not use the SF-36 physical functioning subscale (n=2), 66, 67 did not use LLFDI, EORTC QLQ-30, or 6 MWT to assess physical function (n=13), 68–80 and the main intervention was not home or community-based (n=1). 81 …”

Central sensitization in breast cancer survivors

“…Although this cross‐sectional study does not explain the causality between weakness and CS, it shows a lower functional capacity in subjects with high CS‐related symptoms. Future research should study clinical descriptors for CS pain in BCS, as well as if improving functional capacity CS modifies CS‐related symptoms, as exercise improves other variables such us CRF and QoL (Cuesta‐Vargas, Buchan, & Arroyo‐Morales, ). On the other hand, differences in other variables such as CRF could explain differences in functional capacity.…”

A scoping review of studies exploring physical activity among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer

“…Five of these studies employed quantitative methods and 2 provide preliminary evidence that physical activity can significantly improve symptoms of fatigue. 59,62 Findings from the other experimental study, which employed qualitative methods, also suggest that physical activity may be beneficial for AYAs. 67 Specifically, physical activity fostered feelings of acceptance and control and helped AYAs to reformulate their identity during treatment.…”