Effects of the Anchor System on Postural Balance of Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Treatment: A Clinical, Randomized, Controlled, and Crossover Trial

Abstract

ObjectiveInvestigate the effects of multisensory training with and without the anchor system on breast cancer survivors’ postural balance and self-efficacy of falls. DesignClinical randomized, controlled, and crossover trial. SettingTeaching, Research, and Assistance Center in Mastectomized Rehabilitation. ParticipantsEighty breast cancer survivors homogeneously distributed in the groups of adults and elderly affected, or not, by lymphedema. InterventionsParticipants were randomized to multisensory training with and without the anchor system involving 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks. After the 4-week washout period, the remaining therapeutic intervention was applied. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was semi-static and dynamic balance as evaluated by baropodometry and Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and the secondary outcome was self-efficacy of the fall episode as assessed by Falls Efficacy Scale - International in the pre-, post-immediate, and 4-week follow-up period. ResultsBoth therapeutic interventions caused positive and significant effects on postural balance and self-efficacy of falls in the immediate period. The multisensory training with the anchor system induced significant functional retention in the short term, related to the clinical effect of small to moderate variation. ConclusionsMultisensory training with the anchor system is convenient for postural balance and self-efficacy for falls, regardless of age and upper limb volume, for breast cancer survivors.