Influence of Physical Activity on the Quality of Life
of Breast Cancer Patients

Ana Silvia Diniz Makluf; Alexandre de Almeida Barra; Elyonara Mello de Figueiredo; Giselda Ribeiro da Silva; Raíssa Fernada Rodrigues Ribeiro; Cristóvão Pinheiro Barros; Juliana Silva Barra

doi:10.26717/BJSTR.2018.10.001948

Research ArticleOpen Access

Influence of Physical Activity on the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients

Volume 10 - Issue 3

Ana Silvia Diniz Makluf¹, Alexandre de Almeida Barra*^2,3, Elyonara Mello de Figueiredo⁴, Giselda Ribeiro da Silva², Raíssa Fernada Rodrigues Ribeiro^, Cristóvão Pinheiro Barros³ and Juliana Silva Barra⁵

Author Information Open or Close
- ¹Department of Physiotherapy, Instituto da Previdência dos Servidores de Minas Gerais, Brazil
- ²Department of Surgery and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil
- ³Department of Oncology, Instituto da Previdência dos Servidores de Minas Gerais, Brazil
- ⁴Department of Physiotherapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
- ⁵Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil

Received: October 10, 2018; Published: October 25, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.10.001948

Full Text PDF

To view the Full Article Peer-reviewed Article PDF

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm among women. As a consequence of the increased number of cancer diagnoses, and concomitant mortality reductions for most types of cancer many patients live with physical and psychosocial problems associated with the disease and its treatment that may compromise their quality of life (QoL). Exercise has been recommended as part of standard care for patients with cancer to help prevent and manage physical and psychosocial problems and improve QoL. The objective of the current study was to compare the impact of physical activity practice in women with breast cancer, through indicators of quality of life.

Methodology: This is a randomized study with breast cancer patients in a large general hospital in southeastern Brazil. The questionnaires were applied regarding function and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR-23). Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: control, without intervention and treatment group, with the practice of physical exercises and nutritional orientation. Physical activity was performed for 3 hours/week through active-assisted exercises of flexion, abduction, extension, and rotation of upper limbs and treadmill walking at speed tolerated by the patient. After six months of participation, all patients were reassessed, with blindness of the investigator. Results: The study did not reveal statistical difference in the constructs cited (p> 0.05) between the control group and the treatment group regarding “Global Health Status” “ Functional Scale” and “ Scale of Symptoms “, however the patients in physical activity presented better mood and confidence being more adapted to face the challenge of the disease.

Discussion: The practice of physical activity showed no benefit in improving quality of life and functional capacity in patients with breast cancer in the evaluation by questionnaires in a short period established, however, showed favorable trends for improvement in successive evaluations.