Multimodal prehabilitation in the treatment of patients with breast cancer

Full Text

Introduction. Breast cancer remains the leading oncopathology among women, determining a significant burden for the healthcare system [1]. Breast cancer is associated with many side effects caused by therapy that affect patients' lives from diagnosis to long-term survival. Physical activity has become an important and proven supportive measure in the treatment of side effects such as loss of muscle strength, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy, lymphedema, and loss of quality of life [2].In recent years, the quality of therapy has improved, and its choice has increased. Survival rates were influenced by the development of adjuvant therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. In view of this, there is a need to maximize the preservation of the quality of life associated with the health of cancer patients. One of the most important areas for improving the quality of life is rehabilitation. In recent decades, the issue of the possibility of pre-rehabilitation for patients of various profiles has been discussed. Pre-rehabilitation is a set of measures aimed at improving the patient's functional reserves before starting antitumor treatment (surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy) [3,4].The purpose of the work. To evaluate the effectiveness of the pre-rehabilitation program for breast cancer patients.Materials and methods of research. The study involved 25 breast cancer patients aged 55-60 years. 12 patients underwent a pre-rehabilitation program before treatment and a rehabilitation program after treatment.  The remaining patients received only a rehabilitation program for 4 weeks after the treatment. All events were held on the basis of the State Medical Institution "Polyclinic No. 21". Kazan.During the study, anthropometric parameters were evaluated, including dynamometry, arm circumference and shoulder goniometry, a modified PWC170 test was performed on a bicycle ergometer to study performance, as well as a study of quality of life using the WHO quality of Life questionnaire and a study of health using the Nottingham Health Profile.The results of the study. As a result of the examination before undergoing the course of pre-rehabilitation, all patients showed a low level of physical performance. The pre-rehabilitation program consisted of aerobic exercise (cardio exercises), group restorative therapeutic gymnastics (including strength exercises, balance training, breathing exercises), educational programs and classes with a psychologist. The course lasted two weeks. The purpose of pre-rehabilitation was to prepare patients for the upcoming treatment. The rehabilitation course lasted four weeks and included: an individual cardio workout program (bicycle ergometer), mechanotherapy, group therapeutic gymnastics, including exercises to strengthen the muscles of the upper shoulder girdle, developing the amplitude of the shoulder joint, lymphatic drainage techniques, educational programs and sessions with a psychologist. By the end of the pre-rehabilitation course, 40% of the patients had improved their physical performance. As a result of the survey, it turned out that the patients who underwent rehabilitation had less pronounced symptoms of asthenia and mood disorders, and a higher level of physical mobility.Conclusion. Pre-rehabilitation programs using physical exercises are an effective and safe way to prepare cancer patients for the upcoming treatment. Individually selected aerobic, strength, and balance exercises can significantly improve the body's functional reserves, reduce the risk of complications, and improve long-term treatment outcomes.

About the authors

Ruzaliya Ramilevna Khasanova

Author for correspondence.
Email: ms.rosalie.98@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-3416-0989
Russian Federation, 420012, Russia, Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Butlerova St., 49

References

Supplementary files

There are no supplementary files to display.