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Effectiveness of an Exercise and Educational-Based Prehabilitation Program in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (PREOptimize) on Functional Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Anabel Casanovas-Álvarez, Blanca Estanyol, Magda Ciendones, Josep Padrós, J. Cuartero, A. Barnadas, Bárbara García-Valdecasas, R. González-Colom et al.

Physical Therapy, 2024

64 participants · 23 citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to determine the effectiveness of a prehabilitation program to decrease postoperative musculoskeletal impairments in patients who have breast cancer and are receiving neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).

METHODS

Patients who had breast cancer and were receiving NAT before surgery were invited to participate in this randomized controlled trial. Patients randomized to the intervention group participated in a group-based prehabilitation program consisting of Nordic walking, resistance training, and therapeutic education from month 4 of NAT until before surgery. Patients in the control group received usual care (no prehabilitation). The main outcome was arm function measured with the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire 1 month after surgery. Other measures included pain, range of motion, functional capacity, cancer-related fatigue, handgrip strength, physical activity, and arm circumferences.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients were randomized during the study period, and 61 completed all assessments. A significant difference in the main outcome (short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) was found before surgery as patients in the control group experienced worsening in arm function (mean difference = -9.84, 95% CI = -17.7 to -2). In addition, they also showed increased symptom frequency/severity according to the combined scale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment…

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: 64 participants or records.

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