Effect of a novel exercise therapy on the postoperative function and quality of life in a patient with breast cancer: A case study

Abstract

Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) treatments, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy, are frequently accompanied by numerous adverse effects. Although exercise programs provide considerable benefits, most patients with BC fail to meet minimum physical activity recommendations owing to substantial pain and fatigue. This study aimed to (1) develop an early exercise intervention to facilitate readaptation and restore mobility in the operated arm and (2) develop a combined aerobic and resistance training program incorporating the velocity loss approach to prescribe resistance training, thus minimizing fatigue and improving adherence. Methods: The 60-year-old female patient began the exercise intervention approximately six weeks after surgery. During the first part of the intervention, she also received five sessions of adjuvant radiotherapy. All variables were measured before the operation, before the first and the second parts of the intervention, and at the end of the intervention. Results: The exercise program was well tolerated. The fat-free mass percentage, fat mass percentage, six glenohumeral ranges of motion, aerobic capacity and strength of the upper limbs recovered and even improved from the preoperative initial values after the intervention. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) increased, and fatigue decreased. Conclusions: The two principal novelties of this case study are the inclusion of an early exercise intervention for readaptation and recovery of the mobility of the operated arm and the use of the velocity loss approach to design the resistance training. Given the magnitude of the improvements observed, this initial case study should be used to design future clinical trials to confirm our findings.