Browsing by Author "Neto, Carla Martinho"
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- Exploring the influence of physical activity on lymphedema development in female breast cancer survivorsPublication . Duarte, Alice Ralheta; Neto, Carla Martinho; Prates, Leonor; Tomás, Maria TeresaIn recent years, there has been a notable rise in the number of breast cancer survivors, highlighting the advancements in treatment and care. However, the presence of cancer treatment side effects, such as lymphedema (LE), significantly affects the function, active participation, and overall quality of life of these individuals. It is imperative, therefore, to gain a deeper understanding of the most effective strategies for preventing and treating LE. Preventing LE involves promoting active and healthy lifestyles by instilling behavioral changes and addressing modifiable risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize Portuguese breast cancer survivors' physical activity (PA) levels. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. Women who survived breast cancer between 1 and 5 years after surgery were selected. A characterization questionnaire was performed, upper limb lymphedema volume was measured with tape measures and PA levels were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). A group of 20 women with a mean age of 61±8 years and an average of 39 months after breast surgery participated in the study. Of those, 80% were overweight, of which 35% were obese. There was an average volume of 2100cm3 in the affected upper limb and an average of 2013cm3 in the unaffected side. The difference between the two limbs presented an average of 87.3 cm3. So far, none of the participants showed a significant difference between limbs (greater than 10% difference). Despite this, 45% of participants have subclinical LE (difference between both upper limbs of 5 to 10%). No significant associations were found between the LE and PA (rs=0.231; p=0.3) nor between LE and the number of hours sitting (rs=0.291, p=0.213). However, a strong positive correlation was found between Body Mass Index (BMI) and limb volume difference (rs=0.583; p=0.007). The study does not provide evidence of a direct association between physical activity (PA) and lymphedema (LE). However, there is a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and lymphedema, and higher BMI is identified as a risk factor for the development of lymphedema. Moreover, engaging in physical activity can contribute to the control and management of BMI, revealing the influence of PA on BMI. Consequently, PA indirectly serves as a preventive strategy against lymphedema by helping to control BMI. By incorporating PA as part of a comprehensive approach to managing BMI, the risk of developing lymphedema may be reduced. In summary, the observations suggest that while PA may not directly prevent lymphedema, it can play an important role in indirectly preventing its development by helping to control BMI.
- Female breast cancer survivors: how can physical activity and grip strength impact the development of lymphedema?Publication . Duarte, Alice Ralheta; Neto, Carla Martinho; Prates, Leonor; Lobo, Pablo; Tomás, Maria TeresaIntroduction: Over the past few years there has been an increase in the number of breast cancer survivors, which implies living with the chronic implications resulting from the treatment. These complications harm the function, participation, and quality of life of this population. The development of lymphedema (LE) is one of the main complications and concerns that arise from breast cancer treatment and therefore it is crucial to understand the best way to prevent and treat its development. Scientific evidence suggests that LE prevention involves promoting active and healthy lifestyles by changing behaviors and controlling changeable risk factors. Practicing physical activity (PA) brings various clinical benefits, which are effective, safe, and viable in controlling complications after breast cancer treatments, as well as improving the function and quality of life of the population being studied. In general, greater benefits were demonstrated for women with increased physical activity levels, with a moderate PA (3-6 MET) considered feasible and sufficient to improve the prognosis of these patients (International Society of Lymphology, 2020). On the other hand, this population has a reduced tendency to change their lifestyle and do PA. In this regard, it becomes relevant to conduct a study that characterizes the physical exercise habits of Portuguese women who survived breast cancer with LE. Objectives: Study the relationship between physical activity (PA) with grip strength and lymphedema volume in female breast cancer survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, with a convenience sample. Women who survived breast cancer between 1 and 5 years after surgery were selected and women with bilateral surgery and who have not finished the active phase of the treatments were excluded.
- O papel do exercício físico na prevenção e tratamento do linfedema secundário por cancro de mama: revisão sistemáticaPublication . Marques, Maria Beatriz; Neto, Carla Martinho; Tomás, Maria TeresaIntrodução – O número de mulheres sobreviventes de cancro de mama tem vindo a aumentar, constatando-se um elevado número de mulheres com sequelas das várias terapias oncológicas realizadas, entre as quais se destaca o linfedema, que pode comprometer a funcionalidade do membro superior e afetar significativamente a qualidade de vida. Vários estudos indicam que o exercício físico (EF) tem um efeito benéfico ao nível da qualidade de vida dos sobreviventes por cancro. Objetivo – Identificar o efeito do exercício físico na prevenção e tratamento do linfedema secundário por cancro de mama. Métodos – Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura, recorrendo às bases de dados PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science e Sport Discus. Foram considerados estudos randomizados controlados, sem limite temporal, escritos em português ou inglês, realizados em mulheres, com idade superior a 18 anos, submetidas a tratamentos para a doença em questão e com qualidade metodológica ≥5 na escala PEDro. Resultados – Foram selecionados 14 estudos, englobando uma amostra de 2.478 mulheres. Constatou-se que o EF não agravou o linfedema, diminuindo até a sua incidência em 70%. Verificou-se também a melhoria do volume e composição do membro em questão pelo aumento da massa muscular e diminuição da massa adiposa. Assim, demonstrou-se que a prática de EF, com as componentes de treino de resistência da muscular e treino aeróbio, é recomendada para todas as mulheres submetidas a este tipo de tratamentos, mesmo na ausência de linfedema.