Assessment of Quality of Life and Physical Activity Levels in Greek Breast Cancer Female Patients under Chemotherapy

AIM: Research evidence suggests that physical exercise can be part of standard care for breast cancer (BC) patients, contributing to the prevention or reduction of the adverse effects of both the disease and cancer therapies on physiological and quality of life (QoL) parameters. The purpose of this study was to assess QoL and physical activity (PA) levels of BC female patients under chemotherapy and compare them with healthy controls. MATERIAL & METHOD: 159 females were recruited, 94 BC patients [age, 57.25 ± 13.59 yrs; height, 1.61 ± 0.05 m; mass, 69.49 ± 12.67 kg; body mass index (BMI), 26.63 ± 5.36 kg/m2] and 65 healthy women [age, 49.60 ± 7.80 yrs; height, 1.65 ± 0.04 m; mass, 69.04 ± 5.25 kg; BMI, 25.30 ± 3.95 kg/m2]. Levels of PA were self-estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. QoL was self-reported by the BC and control groups using the EORTCQLQ-C30 and the SF-36 Health Survey, respectively. RESULTS: BC patients exhibited a total energy expenditure of 2,200 ± 1,187 MET-min/week, of which 1,384 ± 592 were spent in moderate PAs, 773 ± 436 in walking and 43.34 ± 159 in vigorous PAs. On the other hand, 49.30% and 50.70% of the controls participated in high-intensity and moderate-intensity PAs, respectively. Moreover, controls and BC patients were spending 2.34 ± 1.05 h/day and 4.62 ± 2.58 h/day sitting, respectively. BC patients scored their QoL with 63.43 ± 20.63 and physical functioning (PF) with 71.48 ± 23.35, while their fatigue, pain, and dyspnea scores were 42.28 ± 20.54, 19.44 ± 24.40, and 25.93 ± 28.85, respectively. Negative correlations were found between QoL and fatigue (p < 0.01), PF and pain (p < 0.01), fatigue (p < 0.01) and dyspnea (p < 0.05), while a positive correlation was found between QoL and PF (p < 0.01). Healthy participants evaluated their QoL as excellent (10.30%), very good (55.17%), average (29.30%), and poor (3.40%). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that BC patients represented moderate to high levels of functioning and QoL and preferred PAs of moderate intensity. Moreover, a positive association was found between PF and QoL in BC patients, while their QoL and functional capacity were compromised by pain, dyspnea, and fatigue. Although the BC group used to participate in PAs, they accumulated many hours seated, and they were overweight, further supporting the need for these patients to follow the specific exercise recommendations, so as to optimize their benefits from exercise.

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The Assessment and Relationship Between Quality of Life and Physical Activity Levels in Greek Breast Cancer Female Patients under Chemotherapy

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports8030032 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 32 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Maridaki ◽

Argyro Papadopetraki ◽

Helen Karagianni ◽

Michael Koutsilieris ◽

Anastassios Philippou

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Female Patients ◽

Metabolic Equivalents ◽

Levels Of Functioning ◽

Complementary Intervention

A growing body of evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) can be a complementary intervention during breast cancer (BCa) treatment, contributing to the alleviation of the chemotherapy-related side-effects. The purpose of this study was to assess physical activity (PA) levels and quality of life (QoL) parameters of BCa patients undergoing chemotherapy and compare them with healthy controls. A total of 94 BCa female patients and 65 healthy women were recruited and self-reported QoL and PA levels. The results reveal that women suffering from BCa spent only 134 ± 469 metabolic equivalents (MET)/week in vigorous PAs compared with the healthy females who spent 985±1508 MET/week. Also, BCa patients were spending 4.62±2.58 h/day sitting, contrary to the 2.34±1.05 h/day of the controls. QoL was scored as 63.43±20.63 and 70.14±19.49 while physical functioning (PF) as 71.48±23.35 and 84.46±15.48 by BCa patients and healthy participants, respectively. Negative correlations were found between QoL and fatigue, PF and pain, and fatigue and dyspnea, while a positive correlation was found between QoL and PF. This study indicated that the BCa group accumulated many hours seated and refrained from vigorous Pas, preferring PAs of moderate intensity. Additionally, BCa patients’ levels of functioning and QoL were moderate to high; however, they were compromised by pain, dyspnea and fatigue.

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AB1312 Higher habitual physical activity levels are protective of functional capacity and quality of life in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis regardless of disease activity

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-eular.1308 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 71 (Suppl 3) ◽

pp. 712.15-712

Author(s):

A. Prioreschi ◽

B. Hodkinson ◽

I. Avidon ◽

M. Tikly ◽

J. McVeigh

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Habitual Physical Activity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Female Patients ◽

Physical Activity Levels

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A cross-sectional study analysing the association between habitual physical activity levels and quality of life in adults with asthma

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity ◽

10.29359/bjhpa.07.1.03 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 29-41

Author(s):

ADEEL NAZIR AHMAD ◽

KIMBERLEY L. EDWARDS

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Positive Association ◽

Habitual Physical Activity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Life Score ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Background: People with asthma believe their condition prevents them from undertaking physical activity. The objective was to determine the association between habitual physical activity levels and the quality of life in adults with asthma and meeting the physical activity guidelines. Material/Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adults (aged >18) with asthma was conducted in three general practices in Nottingham, UK (n = 128). A self-reported short form International Physical Activity Questionnaire, mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire (age, gender, ethnicity and BMI) were used to collect data. Physical activity was provided in minutes for different activities to enable the habitual weekly MET-minutes to be calculated, and the quality of life score was determined. Results: Among 128 respondents, 22% met the physical activity guidelines. Mostly younger, white, male, normal weight participants had higher physical activity levels and better asthma quality of life. Mean total asthma quality of life score was 4.5. Linear regression modelling showed a positive association between the total physical activity and the quality of life score (p < 0.001); thus higher physical activity levels were associated with less/no asthma quality of life impairment (higher score). Conclusions: The majority of asthmatics in this study had low physical activity levels, did not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines and had impaired quality of life. A strong positive association between physical activity and asthma quality of life supports the view that adults with asthma should be encouraged to be sufficiently physically active, which could be associated with a better asthma related quality of life.

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P500 Assessing physical activity, fatigue and quality of life in an outpatient cohort of IBD patients

Journal of Crohn s and Colitis ◽

10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjab076.623 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S484-S485

Author(s):

L M Janssen ◽

E M B Hendrix ◽

C E G M Spooren ◽

L P S Stassen ◽

M J Pierik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Fat Free Mass ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Substantial Impact ◽

Disease Characteristics ◽

Sf 36

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a substantial impact on quality of life (QoL). This can further be affected by modifiable psychosocial and lifestyle factors, like physical activity (PA). In the current study, we aimed to determine whether PA activity levels were associated with patient and disease characteristics, fatigue and QoL in IBD patients. Methods In this cross-sectional study, consecutive adult IBD outpatients were included. PA was assessed by the Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH). Patients were considered to have adequate PA levels when exercising with moderate intensity during minimal 30 minutes for at least five days per week according to the Dutch Standards for Healthy Physical Activity. Body composition was assessed by body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass using BodPod. Fatigue was measured with the Shortened Fatigue Questionnaire (SFQ) and QoL was determined using the SF-36. Patient and disease characteristics, fatigue, and QoL between patients with and without adequate PA levels were analyzed by a student’s t-test or X2-test when appropriate. Results Of the 200 patients (139 Crohn’s disease (CD), 61 ulcerative colitis (UC)), 53.3% were female, and 21.5% were active smoker. Mean disease duration was 11.4 [SD 9.9] years, and 28.6% had an exacerbation at inclusion. The Dutch Standards for Healthy Physical Activity were not met by 41.7%. CD patients (53.2%) were less likely to have adequate PA levels compared to UC (70.0%) patients (p=0.028). There were no other significant differences in patient and disease characteristics stratified by adequate PA level (i.e. sex, active smoking, age at inclusion, disease duration, Montreal classification, previous bowel resection, and disease activity). BMI and fat-free mass index were not associated with PA levels. However, patients not meeting PA standards were significantly more tired compared to patients meeting the standards (mean 17.4 [SD 7.0] vs. 13.5 [SD 7.2], p=0.015), and had lower physical and mental component scores (PCS: mean 43.5 [SD 9.7] vs. 46.0 [SD 8.5]; MCS: mean 46.2 [SD 11.3] vs. 52.3 [SD 9.5]) for QoL, reaching significance for SF-36 MCS (p=0.012). Conclusion IBD outpatients with low physical activity levels showed significantly higher fatigue and lower quality of life scores, regardless of disease characteristics. More research is necessary to identify contributing factors to further improve patients’ well-being by holistic management.

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Yaşlılarda Fiziksel Aktivite: Derleme

Yüksek İhtisas Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi ◽

10.51261/yiu.2021.00029 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 16-22

Author(s):

Hatice Rana ERDEM ◽

Melahat SAYAN ◽

Zafer GÖKÖZ ◽

Meltem REFİKER EGE

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Older People ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Aerobic Activity ◽

Vigorous Intensity ◽

Functional Capacities ◽

Better Than

Aging is associated with reduction in physiological and functional capacities and quality of life. Physical activity (PA) in older people is critically important in the prevention of disease, maintenance of independence and improvement of quality of life. It has been shown that increased physical activity increases functional capacity and prevents many chronic non-communicable diseases. Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and at least two days of musclestrengthening activities per week. Despite the highly known benefits of physical activity, the majority of older people in the world do not meet the minimum physical activity levels needed to maintain health. Any amount of exercise is better than being sedentary, even if health status prevents a person from achieving recommended goals. Physicians should educate the patient about the benefits of physical activity and motivate them to start a physical activity program. Keywords: physical activity, older people, health

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Effects of a 6-week Hike on Physical Activity Levels, Psycholog ical Wellbeing and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy ◽

10.4172/1948-5956.1000538 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

Author(s):

Baumann FT ◽

Bieck O ◽

Strunk M ◽

Reimer N ◽

Zopf EM ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Levels

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Impact of Rowing Training on Quality of Life and Physical Activity Levels in Female Breast Cancer Survivors

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18137188 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 7188

Author(s):

Juan Gavala-González ◽

Amanda Torres-Pérez ◽

José Carlos Fernández-García

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Training Program ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Short Form ◽

Female Breast Cancer ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Levels

The aim of this longitudinal study was to determine whether a rowing training program improved the quality of life and the physical activity levels in female breast cancer survivors (n = 28) (stage 1–4.54%; stage 2–36.36%; stage 3–54.54%; and stage 4–4.54%), diagnosed 4.68 ± 3.00 years previously, who had undergone a subsequent intervention (preservation 56.53% and total mastectomy 43.47%) and had a current mean age of 52.30 ± 3.78 years. The participants (n = 28) engaged in a 12-week training program, each week comprising three sessions and each session lasting 60–90 min. 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.

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Physical activity, fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer patients

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1806-9282.62.01.38 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 62 (1) ◽

pp. 38-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Ana Carla Gomes Canário ◽

Patricia Uchoa Leitão Cabral ◽

Lucila Corsino de Paiva ◽

Gilzandra Lira Dantas Florencio ◽

Maria Helena Spyrides ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Physically Active ◽

Eortc Qlq C30 ◽

Eortc Qlq ◽

The Relationship

SUMMARY Objective: to evaluate the relationship between levels of physical activity, fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: 215 women between the ages of 40 and 65 years were recruited at a cancer clinic. Physical activity levels were assessed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), fatigue levels by using the revised Piper scale, and QOL by means of EORTC QLQ-C30 and WHOQOL-Bref. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab statistical software, version 16. Results: the mean age of subjects was 52.66 years (SD=8.6); patients were mostly white (58.14%) and overweight (55.81%). Most women were fatigued (72.09%) while physically active women showed lower symptoms of fatigue (p<0.001). Mean scores for QOL were significantly lower among fatigued women (p<0.001). More active women scored higher on all scales of QOL (EORTC), especially for functional capacity (p<0.001), compared with the sedentary patients. A significant association was found between level of physical activity and overall QOL (WHOQOL-Bref) for all domains (p<0.001). Climacteric symptoms ranged from mild to strong and did not show any statistically significant results; however, the most active women had the fewest symptoms. Conclusion: physical activity appears to positively influence fatigue and QOL in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

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