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Physical rehabilitation program for cardiorespiratory health and quality of life among breast cancer survivors in UAE: a randomized control trial

Rashid FA, Anwar W, Kandakurti PK, Al Qawasmeh KHA, Latif MF, Tirmazy SH, Omara M, Hazari A

BMC cancer, 2025

31 participants · 6 citations

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer treatment has improved significantly, contributing to a 5-year relative survival rate of 99% for localized cases. However, post-treatment survivors are reported to have significantly poor cardiovascular fitness which affects their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), evidence for practice addressing post-treatment concerns is scarce.

Objective: To analyse the changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and HRQoL domains for breast cancer survivors in the UAE using a 2-month physical rehabilitation program.

Methodology: DESIGN: Parallel-group, randomized controlled trial PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The study included breast cancer survivors who were treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, aged 18-65 years, and able to provide informed consent. Participants were recruited by referral from Al Tawam Hospital, a national referral center for oncology, and Dubai Hospital.

Interventions: The intervention group (IG) received a 2-month supervised physical rehabilitation program focusing on aerobic training with 2 supervised sessions and 3 at-home sessions per week. The sessions were held at Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. The control group (CG) received standard care at their treatment facility. Randomization for subject allocation was double-blinded (conducted by a third party not involved in the research).

Outcome: The changes in cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed by measuring peak oxygen uptake…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 31 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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