Bone Mineral Density, Balance Performance, Balance Self-Efficacy, and Falls in Breast Cancer Survivors With and Without Qigong Training: An Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose: A deterioration in bone strength and balance performance after breast cancer treatment can result in injurious falls. Therefore, interventions need to be developed to improve the bone strength and balance ability of breast cancer survivors. This cross-sectional exploratory study aimed to compare the bone mineral density (BMD), balance performance, balance self-efficacy, and number of falls between breast cancer survivors who practiced qigong, breast cancer survivors who did not practice qigong, and healthy individuals. Methods: The study included 40 breast cancer survivors with more than 3 months of qigong experience, 17 breast cancer survivors with no qigong experience, and 36 healthy controls. All the participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans to measure their lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and total radius BMDs. The participants also underwent a timed one-leg stand test to measure their single-leg standing balance. The participants’ balance self-efficacy was assessed using the activities-specific balance confidence scale, and the number of falls experienced by each participant was assessed in a face-to-face interview. Results: The lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and total radius BMDs were similar between the 3 groups (P > .05). The breast cancer-qigong group outperformed the breast cancer-control group by 27.3% when they performed the one-leg stand test on a foam surface (P = .025), and they also had a higher balance self-efficacy score (P = .006). Nevertheless, the numbers of falls were comparable between the 3 groups (P > .05). Conclusion: Qigong may be a suitable exercise for improving the balance performance and balance self-efficacy of breast cancer survivors.

Assessment of Postural Balance in Women Treated for Breast Cancer

“…In our study, worse results of balance tests were noted in the BG group with both closed and open eyes. Research by Fong et al has shown that properly selected exercise can improve balance in women after breast amputation [ 27 ].…”

Intervenciones no farmacológicas para reducir síntomas depresivos en mujeres con cáncer de mama

“…44 A nivel psicosocial, mejora la percepción corporal, el control motor y equilibrio al realizar movimientos corporales. 45 A nivel social, el ejercicio es ampliamente aceptado y genera realimentaciones sociales positivas en los demás, lo que hace que la paciente se sienta corporalmente más atractiva. 46 La práctica del ejercicio ligero, como la caminata de 20 a 40 minutos algunas veces por semana, se ha asociado consistentemente a una pequeña reducción de síntomas depresivos en población sana 47 y con diversos tipos de cáncer; 48 sin embargo, en pacientes con CaMa, se ha reportado una mejoría estadísticamente no significativa (DEM: -0.15; IC95%: -0.30, 0.01).…”

How Exercise and Dietary Intervention Affect the Outcome of Osteosarcopenic Obesity Syndrome?

“…Specific measurements are required to evaluate balance, strength, and endurance in the older population. Handgrip strength, knee isometric strength, sit-to-stand test (to measure lower body strength, balance, and range of motion), 4 m timed normal and brisk walk tests (to measure locomotion), 2 min walk test (to measure endurance), and timed one leg stance (to measure balance) are all parts of the recommended measurements for OSO syndrome [2,[60][61][62]. These tests are valuable measurements to assess fall risk and evaluate changes or deficits in body composition preceding OSO syndrome.…”