Browsing by Author "Prates, Leonor"
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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.
- Task-oriented training and lower limb strengthening to improve balance and function after stroke: a pilot studyPublication . Fernandes, Beatriz; Ferreira, Maria José; Batista, Filomena; Evangelista, Isabel; Prates, Leonor; Silveira-Sérgio, JoaquimThis study investigated the effects of task-oriented training and strengthening of the affected lower limb on balance and function in people who have suffered a stroke. Sixteen male adults, with a mean age of 58 (SD 6.3) years, undergoing outpatient physiotherapy less than 1 month after a single stroke in the territory of the middle cerebral artery were recruited. Participants were allocated to one of two groups: the strengthening group (SG) or control group (CG). The main measures used were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). After 12 weeks of intervention, both groups showed improvements in outcome measures. For BBS, there was a significant difference between groups, with an increase of 26 points in the SG and 11 points in the CG. For BI, the SG improved by 39 points and the CG improved by 22 points. After intervention, the difference between groups was not significant. For MAS, differences were not significant, showing that for both groups intervention programmes did not increase spasticity. In conclusion, physiotherapy intervention for postural control dysfunctions after stroke seems to benefit from strength training of the affected lower limb and the practising functional tasks. A large randomized controlled trial is recommended to further investigate the effects of this intervention.