Effect of water physical therapy on quality of life in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized 12-week water physical therapy program on quality of life parameters in breast cancer survivors.MethodsOverall, 68 women met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. They were randomly allocated for the water physical therapy program (experimental group, <i>n</i> = 34) and Pilates physical therapy program (active control group, <i>n</i> = 34). Both groups attended relevant programs for 12 weeks and received 36 rehabilitation sessions. Quality of life parameters were assessed with the questionnaire of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) with a specific module for breast cancer patients (BR-23). Quality of life data were recorded at baseline and after a 12-week intervention.ResultsIn the results analysis, statistically significant differences between the studied groups were identified. The experimental group participants presented significantly fewer negative symptoms associated with the disease and surgical intervention as a whole. Particularly, fatigue was lower by 10.27 points in the experimental group compared with the active control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05), insomnia was lower by 13.23 points (<i>p</i> < 0.05), appetite loss was smaller by 14.30 points (<i>p</i> < 0.01).ConclusionsThe results confirm that a 12-week water physical therapy program effectively improves quality of life parameters, which was reflected in improving general physical condition, shoulder range of motion, emotional and physical functioning, optimism about the future, and a decrease in fatigue, dyspnoea, and insomnia in breast cancer survivors.