scholarly journals Effects of Chemotherapy Treatment on Muscle Strength, Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Anxiety in Women with Breast Cancer

Author(s):  
Vitor A. Marques ◽  
João B. Ferreira-Junior ◽  
Thiago V. Lemos ◽  
Rafael F. Moraes ◽  
José Roberto de S. Junior ◽  
...  

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy treatment on muscle strength, quality of life, fatigue, and anxiety in women with breast cancer. Nineteen women who were undergoing a chemotherapy treatment (breast cancer treatment [BCT] group, 52.2 ± 13.1 years) and 18 women without cancer (control [CNT] group, 55.8 ± 8.4 years) answered questionnaires for evaluation of fatigue (Fatigue Scale), quality of life (Short-Form Healthy Survey [SF-36] questionnaire), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [IDATE]) levels. Muscle strength was also assessed by an isometric grip test and an isokinetic knee extension test. Physical limitations, social and emotional domains of quality of life were lower in the BCT group in comparison to the CNT group (p = 0.002; p = 0.003; p = 0.0003, respectively). The other domains did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). There were no differences in fatigue and anxiety levels between both the BCT and CNT groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, isometric grip strength was higher in the CNT group when compared to the BCT group (p = 0.048). However, there were no differences between the BCT and CNT groups for peak torque and total work at both 60°.s−1 (p = 0.95 and p = 0.61, respectively) and 180°.s−1 (p = 0.94 and p = 0.72, respectively). These results suggest that three cycles of chemotherapy treatment may impair handgrip isometric strength and quality of life in women with breast cancer.

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 599-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halil Ekrem Akkurt ◽  
Hilal Kocabaş ◽  
Halim Yılmaz ◽  
Cemile Eser ◽  
Zafer Şen ◽  
...  

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. It is generally observed in people between the ages of 40 and 50 years, and the dominant extremity is more frequently affected. Various noninvasive methods are frequently used; however, studies investigating the effectiveness of the orthoses are limited and with controversial outcomes. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of a hand-wrist resting orthosis and an epicondylitis bandage in lateral epicondylitis. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: In total, 82 patients diagnosed with unilateral lateral epicondylitis were enrolled into the study. Hand-wrist resting orthosis was applied to 45 patients and epicondylitis bandage was applied to 41 patients. Patients were evaluated before treatment and at 6 weeks after treatment with a Visual Analogue Scale; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; the Short Form 36; and a determination of hand grasping force. Results: Both groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, gender, frequency of lateral epicondylitis on the dominant side, dominant extremity, and duration of complaints ( p > 0.05). A statistically significant recovery was detected in both groups between the pre-therapy values and the values at the sixth week in terms of Visual Analogue Scale scores; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnarie scores; hand grasping forces; and the Short Form 36 mental and physical component scores ( p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences detected between the two therapy methods before the therapy and at the sixth week of treatment in all parameter values ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that both epicondylitis bandage and hand-wrist resting orthosis are effective treatment options for lateral epicondylitis–induced pain, functional status, muscle strength, and quality of life. Furthermore, neither treatment option was superior to the other. Large, randomized studies are necessary for more clear statements. Clinical relevance Epicondylitis bandage and hand-wrist resting orthosis are equally effective treatment options for lateral epicondylitis–induced pain, functional status, muscle strength, and quality of life.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (14) ◽  
pp. 1427-1436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Maunsell ◽  
Paul E. Goss ◽  
Rowan T. Chlebowski ◽  
James N. Ingle ◽  
José E. Alés-Martínez ◽  
...  

Purpose Exemestane, a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, reduced invasive breast cancer incidence by 65% among 4,560 postmenopausal women randomly assigned to exemestane (25 mg per day) compared with placebo in the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) Clinical Trials Group MAP.3 (Mammary Prevention 3) trial, but effects on quality of life (QOL) were not fully described. Patients and Methods Menopause-specific and health-related QOL were assessed by using the four Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) domains and the eight Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scales at baseline, 6 months, and yearly thereafter. MENQOL questionnaire completion was high (88% to 98%) in both groups at each follow-up visit. Change scores for each MENQOL and SF-36 scale, calculated at each assessment time relative to baseline, were compared by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Clinically important worsened QOL was defined as a MENQOL change score increase of more than 0.5 (of 8) points and an SF-36 change score decrease of more than 5 (of 100) points from baseline. Results Exemestane had small negative effects on women's self-reported vasomotor symptoms, sexual symptoms, and pain, which occurred mainly in the first 6 months to 2 years after random assignment. However, these changes represented only a small excess number of women being given exemestane with clinically important worsening of QOL at one time or another; specifically, 8% more in the vasomotor domain and 4% more each in the sexual domain and for pain. No other between-group differences were observed. Overall, slightly more women in the exemestane arm (32%) than in the placebo arm (28%) discontinued assigned treatment. Conclusion Exemestane given for prevention has limited negative impact on menopause-specific and health-related QOL in healthy postmenopausal women at risk for breast cancer.


Author(s):  
Juan Gavala-González ◽  
Amanda Torres-Pérez ◽  
José Carlos Fernández-García

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rowing training program improved the quantity and quality of physical activity and quality of life in female breast cancer survivors (stage I - 4.35%; II - 30.43%; III - 52.17%; and IV - 8.7%) diagnosed 6.57 ± 5.02 years previously, who had undergone a subsequent intervention (preservation 53.52%; total mastectomy 39.13% and double mastectomy 4.35%) and had a current mean age of 53.70 ± 7.88 years. The participants (N = 30) engaged in a 12-week training program, each week comprising three sessions and each session lasting 60-90 minutes. An anthropometric evaluation was performed before and after the program. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were also administered. The results showed statistically significant improvements in levels of physical activity and in the dimensions of quality of life. We can conclude that a 12-week rowing training program tailored to women who have had breast cancer increases physical activity levels, leading to improved health status and quality of life.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Concepción Fernández-Rodríguez ◽  
Erica Villoria-Fernández ◽  
Paula Fernández-García ◽  
Sonia González-Fernández ◽  
Marino Pérez-Álvarez

Research suggests that the progressive abandonment of activities in cancer patients are related to depression and worse quality of life. Behavioral activation (BA) encourages subjects to activate their sources of reinforcement and modify the avoidance responses. This study assesses the effectiveness of BA in improving quality of life and preventing emotional disorders during chemotherapy treatment. One sample of lung cancer patients and another of breast cancer patients were randomized into a BA experimental group (E.G.lung/4sess. n = 50; E.G.breast/6sess. n = 33) and a control group (C.G.lung/4sess. n = 40; C.G.breast/6sess. n = 35), respectively. In each session and in follow-ups (3/6/9 months), all participants completed different assessment scales. The results converge to show the effectiveness of BA, encouraging cancer patients to maintain rewarding activities which can activate their sources of day-to-day reinforcement and modify their experience avoidance patterns. BA appears to be a practical intervention which may improve social and role functioning and the emotional state of cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 19657-19657
Author(s):  
E. L. Morgenfeld ◽  
B. Rolnik ◽  
L. Cassab ◽  
D. Gercovich ◽  
F. Negro ◽  
...  

19657 Background: Hormonotherapy (H) is the most widely used treatment against breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study is a prospective evaluation with an enriched the SF-36 questionnaire, of the QOL of BC patients (pt) treated with H at the IOHM. Specific questions regarding menopausal symptoms and body weight were added. Methods: Between Aug 2005 and Nov 2006, all pt that were undergoing H, were requested to fill out a SF-36 self-evaluation form. The SF-36 is a multi-purpose, short-form health survey, with 36 questions about functional health and well-being. The answers were tabulated. The pre-treatment and post-treatment body weight of each pt was registered. Results: Three Hundred and Twenty-six pt were invited to participate, and all of them accepted, and signed a consent form. Characteristics of the population: Diagnosis: DCIS: 36 pt; LCIS: 5 pt; IDC 250 pt; ILC: 35 pt. All cases expressed hormonal receptors. The H was adjuvant in 254 pt (78%) mostly treated with T and palliative in 72 pt (22%) mostly treated with AI. Median age was 62 years, however 63 pt (19%) were pre-menopausal. The median time under treatment was 33 months (range 1–71 m). The pt reported: General evaluation of Quality of life: Very good or excellent: 154 pt (47%) , Good: 134 pt (41%), Poor: 34 pt (11%). Severe limitations for demanding physical activities: 43 pt (13 %). A reduction of time spent on the job: 66 pt (22%). Severe pain during the last four weeks prior to answering the questionnaire: 24 pt (8 %). Weight increase perception: 153 pt (47%). Actual increase of weight: 192 pt (60%) (Median: 4 kg). Menopausal symptoms: Daily Hot Flushes: 132 pt (40%). Vaginal discharge 110 pt (33%) Decrease of libido: 98 pt (30%), Vaginal dryness 76 pt (23%), Nightly sweats: 40 pt (12%). Sixty pt (18%) suffered from and received treatment for menopausal symptoms. Conclusions: 1) The SF-36 is a useful tool to measure the BC patients’ quality of life 2) Although in our cohort most of the patients (88,3%) rated their general QOL as “good to very good”, a third of the pt presented severe menopausal symptoms, and 18% received non hormonal medication for symptoms relief 3) Sixty percent of the pt had a median body weight gain of 4 Kg. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 60-71
Author(s):  
Nooshin Mobaraki Asl ◽  
Reyhaneh Mirmazhari ◽  
Roghayeh Dargahi ◽  
Zahra Hadadi ◽  
Majid Montazer

Introduction: Personality traits, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness negatively affect quality of life in women with breast cancer. However, the contribution of each of these factors is not precisely determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among personality traits, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 women with breast cancer (90 patients and 90 healthy individuals) were recruited from Imam Reza and Tabatabaee hospitals in Tabriz. Data were collected using the Beck Hopelessness Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) (with acceptable validity and reliability). T tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used for data analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Quality of life was negatively correlated with neuroticism, depression, despair, and anxiety and positively correlated with extroversion. Also, there was a positive correlation between neuroticism and depression, hopelessness, and anxiety, while other personality traits were negatively correlated with depression, hopelessness, and anxiety. Conclusion: Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness reduce quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. Patients with extraversion have less anxiety and depression, which leads to a better quality of life, while more nervous patients may show signs of anxiety and depression and low quality of life.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
ANDREE KURNIAWAN ◽  
NATA PRATAMA HARDJO LUGITO

ABSTRACTCancer is related to a deterioration of nutritional status and quality of life (Qol), but the extent of these conditions in patients with breast cancer has not been studied well. Malnutrition is prevalent among cancer patients and maybe correlated with altered quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of QoL and nutritional status after breast cancer diagnosed. Nutritional status was evaluated with Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment and QoL using Short form 36 (SF-36) and also with the specific module for breast cancer patients. A consecutive sampleof twenty two patients diagnosed with breast cancer was evaluated. The associations of QoL with stadium and nutrition status were evaluated using T-test analysis. The mean of body mass index was 21.3 kg/m2. Fifty percent patient have menopause. Most patients were stage II (77.3%), the others stage III (18.2%) and stage I (4.5%). Sixty eight point two percent had risk of malnutrition. The stadium of tumor was significantly related to physical functioning (p < 0.000), physical limitation (p < 0.024), emotional limitation (p < 0.013), well-being (p < 0.020), health changes (p < 0.010). Thestatus of nutrition was significantly related to physical functioning (p < 0.001), loss of energy (p < 0.010) and general health (p <0.005). For Conclusion, the status of nutrition breast cancer patients were related to QoL especially physical functioning, loss of energy and general health after they were diagnosed.ABSTRAKKanker sangat terkait dengan perburukan status nutrisi dan kualitas hidup. Namun demikian, belum banyak studi yang yang melaporkan masalah nutrisi dan kulitas hidup pada kanker payudara. Malnutrisi sering ditemukan pada kanker dan mungkin terkait dengan perubahan kulaitas hidup. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengevaluasi hubungan antara kualitas hidup dengan status nutrisi setelah kanker payudara terdiagnosis. Evaluasi status nutrisi dilakukan dengan Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment dan kualitas hidup dengan Short form 36 (SF-36) sertakarakteristik pada kanker payudara. Sampel diambil dengan teknik konsekutif terhadap 22 pasien yang terdiagnosis kanker payudara. Hubungan kualitas hidup dengan stadium kanker dan status nutrisi dinilai menggunakan analisis T-test. Indeks massa tubuh rata-rata adalah 21,3 kg/m2. Lima puluh pasien telah menopause. Terbanyak adalah stadium 2 (77,3%), stadium 3 (18,2%), dan stadium 1 (4,5%). Enam puluh dua koma dua persen berisiko malnutrisi. Stadium tumor secara bermakna berhubungan dengan fungsi fisik (p <0,000), keterbatasan fisik (p<0,024), keterbatasan emosi(p<0,013), rasa nyaman (p<0,020), dan perubahan kesehatan (p<0,000). Status nutrisi berhubungan secara bermakna dengan fungsi fisik (p<0,001), kehilangan energi (p<0,010), dan kesehatan secara umum (p<0,005). Simpulan, status nutrisi pasien kanker payudara berhubungan dengan kualitas hidup, terutama fungsi fisik, kehilangan energi, status kesehatan umum setelah mereka terdiagnosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1369
Author(s):  
Alessandro de Sire ◽  
Lorenzo Lippi ◽  
Antonio Ammendolia ◽  
Carlo Cisari ◽  
Konstantinos Venetis ◽  
...  

In this study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of physical exercise, with or without whole-body vibration (WBV), in patients with aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS). Eligible patients were adults (≥18 years) with a history of breast cancer and current AIMSS. Enrolled patients (n = 22) were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive physical exercise combined with WBV or sham WBV for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was pain intensity measured by numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). The secondary endpoints were muscle strength, physical function, physical performance, and quality of life. The WBV group (mean age: 51.73 ± 10.73 years; body mass index (BMI): 25.56 ± 5.17 kg/m2) showed a statistically significant pain reduction (NPRS: 6.82 ± 1.17 vs. 5.73 ± 1.01; p = 0.031), whereas patients in the sham WBV group (mean age: 58.55 ± 9.71 years; BMI: 27.31 ± 3.84 kg/m2), did not reach statistical significance (NPRS: 6.91 ± 2.02 vs. 5.91 ± 2.51; p = 0.07). Concurrently, muscle strength, physical performance, and quality of life significantly improved in both groups, without significant differences between groups. No dropouts and no side effects were recorded. Both patients and the physical therapist reported a high level of satisfaction with the intervention. Our findings suggest that physical exercise and WBV combination might be a safe therapeutic option for improving the rehabilitative management of patients with AIMSS.


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