J Breast Cancer.  2015 Mar;18(1):87-96. 10.4048/jbc.2015.18.1.87.

Effects of a 4-Week Multimodal Rehabilitation Program on Quality of Life, Cardiopulmonary Function, and Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients

• Do J
• Cho Y
• Jeon J

• KMID: 2286342
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2015.18.1.87

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study examines the effects of a rehabilitation program on quality of life (QoL), cardiopulmonary function, and fatigue in breast cancer patients. The program included aerobic exercises as well as stretching and strengthening exercises.
METHODS
Breast cancer patients (n=62) who had completed chemotherapy were randomly assigned to an early exercise group (EEG; n=32) or a delayed exercise group (DEG; n=30). The EEG underwent 4 weeks of a multimodal rehabilitation program for 80 min/day, 5 times/wk for 4 weeks. The DEG completed the same program during the next 4 weeks. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), EORTC Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-BR23), predicted maximal volume of oxygen consumption (VO2max), and fatigue severity scale (FSS) were used for assessment at baseline, and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks.
RESULTS
After 8 weeks, statistically significant differences were apparent in global health, physical, role, and emotional functions, and cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue and pain, nausea, and dyspnea on the EORTC QLQ-C30; cancer-related symptoms involving the arm and breast on the EORTC QLQ-BR23; the predicted VO2max; muscular strength; and FSS (p<0.050), according to time, between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
The results of our study suggest that a supervised multimodal rehabilitation program may improve the physical symptoms, QoL, and fatigue in patients with breast cancer.

Keyword

Breast neoplasms; Fatigue; Quality of life; Rehabilitation

MeSH Terms

Arm
Breast
Breast Neoplasms*
Drug Therapy
Dyspnea
Electroencephalography
Exercise
Fatigue*
Humans
Nausea
Oxygen Consumption
Quality of Life*
Rehabilitation*
Surveys and Questionnaires

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Flow of participants throughout trial. LBP=low back pain.

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  Figure 2 Quality of life score from baseline to week 8 by group assignment (n=62). EEG=early exercise group; DEG=delayed exercise group; CI=confidence interval.

• 

  Figure 3 Cardiorespiratory function from baseline to week 8 by group assignment (n=62). EEG=early exercise group; DEG=delayed exercise group; CI=confidence interval.

• 

  Figure 4 Fatigue severity scores from baseline to week 8 by group assignment (n=62). EEG=early exercise group; DEG=delayed exercise group; CI=confidence interval.

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