Effectiveness of an Exercise and Educational-Based Prehabilitation Program in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for breast cancer can lead to musculoskeletal impairments.
• Prehabilitation programs combining exercise and education may mitigate these effects.
• Maintaining arm function and physical capacity is crucial during NAT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a prehabilitation program in reducing postoperative musculoskeletal impairments in breast cancer patients receiving NAT.
• To assess the impact of prehabilitation on arm function, pain, range of motion, and fatigue.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with breast cancer patients receiving NAT.
• The intervention group participated in a group-based prehabilitation program (Nordic walking, resistance training, therapeutic education) from month 4 of NAT until surgery.
• The control group received usual care.

Main Results:

• Prehabilitation maintained arm function and improved functional capacity and physical activity levels before surgery.
• Patients in the intervention group experienced less worsening of arm function and reduced cancer-related fatigue compared to the control group.
• Improved functional capacity was sustained at 1 and 3 months post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• A prehabilitation program effectively maintains arm function and enhances functional capacity in breast cancer patients undergoing NAT.
• Prehabilitation is recommended to preserve functionality and improve physical performance before surgery for these patients.