Effects of Mat Pilates on quality of life, fatigue and body image in head and neck cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose To analyze the effect of a protocol based on the Mat Pilates method in an intervention group compared to a usual care control group, on quality of life, fatigue and body image of head and neck cancer survivors. Methods This was a randomized clinical trial with 30 survivors, allocated into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group underwent a 12-week Mat Pilates, twice a week, one hour long, and the control group attended two lectures and received weekly follow-up throughout the study period. Data collection took place through individual face-to-face interviews, focusing on assessing the outcomes: quality of life (FACT-H&N); fatigue (FACT-F) and body image (BIS). Results The Mat Pilates group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in both intragroup and intergroup analyses across the variables: quality of life (in total score (p = 0.007)/(p = 0.003), family well-being (p = 0.001)/(p = 0.008) and functional well-being (p = 0.001)/(p = 0.001)); body image in the total score (p = 0.001)/(p = 0.001) and in the subscales: body image (p = 0.046)/(p = 0.010), body care (p = 0.026)/(p = 0.010) and body touch (p = 0.013)/(p = 0.022); fatigue (p = 0.006)/(p = 0.003). Conclusion Based on these findings, future research could delve deeper into understanding the long-term effects of Mat Pilates interventions on quality of life, body image, and fatigue levels among survivors of head and neck cancer. Clinical trial registration number RBR-3BS8XC6