Effect of physical activity on the relationship between adiposity and cardiac autonomic modulation in female breast cancer survivors: a longitudinal study.

This longitudinal study aimed to analyze the influence of physical activity (PA) on the relationship between body adiposity and cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) in women survivors of breast cancer. We collected body adiposity through electrical bioimpedance considering body fat percentage (BFP), CAM through heart rate variability (considering RMSSD, SDNN, PNN50, LF (m2), HF (m2), SD1 indexes and SD1/SD2 ratio) and PA through a questionnaire in 64 participants (58.0 ± 9.6 years), recruited through the local association of support for breast cancer and by direct indications from city mastologists. After insertion of PA into the multivariate statistical model, significant attenuation was observed in the relationship between body adiposity and CAM for the indices: SDNN (ß = -0.94; 95 percent CI: -1.93; 0.04; p = .060) and SD1/SD2 (ß = -0.01;95 percent CI = -0.02; 0.001; p = .065). In conclusion, it was observed that PA was able to mitigate the relationships between BFP and CAM (considering SDNN index and SD1/SD2 ratio) in breast cancer survivors.

Association between cardiac autonomic modulation and sedentary behavior in breast cancer survivors: a 12-month cohort study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the longitudinal influence of sitting time (ST) on cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) and resting heart rate (RHR) in a 12-month cohort of 67 breast cancer survivors. METHODS: CAM was assessed by heart rate variability with heart monitor which also assessed RHR, and ST was self-reported. The relationship between the variables was analyzed by the Pearson correlation and its magnitude by linear regression. RESULTS: At baseline, no associations were found between ST and CAM or RHR. In the delta analyses, a decrease in RMSSD, SD1, and HF(ms2) was associated with sitting time. At 12-month follow-up, there was an increase in the ST and a decrease in RHR. ST was negatively related with CAM (RMSSD, PNN50, and SD1), but no association was observed between ST and RHR. CONCLUSION: The increase in ST was associated with worsening of CAM after 12-month follow-up. Promoting reduction in ST will be an important strategy against cardiovascular impairment in breast cancer survivors.

Physical activity domains are differently related with quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Treatments for breast cancer (BC) can lead to physical and mental impairments which may affect quality of life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) is highly recommended for this population due to its protective effect against BC relapse and its ability to reduce the health impact of treatment. However, it is not clear whether the different domains of PA are associated with better QoL of BC survivors. The current study aimed to verify the relationship between different PA domains with QoL of BC survivors. METHODS: The sample consisted of 128 women BC survivors, with a mean age of 58.2 ±â€Š9.7 years. QoL was assessed using the Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) and PA was verified through the Baecke questionnaire, in domains of occupation, sports practice, and leisure time/commuting. The relationship between QoL and different PA domains was verified by linear regression, adjusted by age, marital status, and socioeconomic condition. RESULTS: Occupational PA was negatively related to physical limitations [ß= -15.36 (-29.04 to -1.68] and body pain [ß=-6.61 (-14.53 to 1.31) marginal association]. Sports practice was positively related to functional capacity [ß= 4.24 (0.60 to 7.88)]. Leisure time/commuting PA was positively related to functional capacity [ß = 7.17 (3.09 to 11.26)], vitality [ß = 4.30 (0.39 to 8.22)], social aspects [ß= 5.47 (0.80 to 10.15)], and mental health [ß = 4.08 (0.40 to 7.75)]. CONCLUSIONS: Sports practice and leisure time/commuting PA were positively related to QoL in BC survivors, while occupational PA was negatively related to QoL, independently of age, marital status, and socioeconomic condition.

Agreement analysis of oscillometric devices in the measure of resting heart rate in breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the reproducibility of an oscillometric device in the measurement of resting heart rate (RHR) in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: This study included 85 breast cancer survivors with a mean age of 58.87±10.03 years. For the RHR evaluation, the equipment used was the Omron HEM 742, electronic and digital arm device, for measurement of blood pressure and heart rate (HR), with automatic cuff inflation and deflation. At the same time as the oscillometric measurement, HR was measured by the HR monitor Polar RS800 CX, which has been validated previously for HR uptake. The HR value obtained by the cardiofrequency meter was registered at the same time that the Omron device measured blood pressure and HR values. RESULTS: It was observed that the RHR values were very close in both devices and that the correlation values and intraclass correlation coefficient were high. These results were replicated when the female breast cancer survivors were stratified by age group. The agreement values presented by the Bland-Altman analysis showed good values; both for the entire sample and stratified by age, few cases were outside beyond 95% confidence interval range. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the oscillometric device used presented good values of reproducibility in the detection of RHR values in breast cancer survivors compared with a cardiac monitor.

Relationship between amputation and risk factors in individuals with diabetes mellitus: A study with Brazilian patients.

Individuals with diabetes develop lower extremity amputation for several reasons. Investigations into pathways to the development of complications are important both for treatment and prevention. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between amputation and risk factors in people with diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHOD: All participants included in this study (n=165) were recruited from the Diabetic Foot Program, developed in a Brazilian University, over seven years (2007-2014) and all information for this study was extracted from their clinical records. RESULTS: The prevalence of amputation in patients with diabetes with four risk factors was up to 20% higher when compared to those with only one risk factor. The main predictive risk factors for amputation in this population were the presence of an ulcer and smoking. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for amputation can be predicted for people with diabetes mellitus and, in the present study, the main factors were the presence of an ulcer and the smoking habit.

Balance and ankle muscle strength predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to evaluate aspects of balance, ankle muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and verify whether deficits in spatiotemporal gait parameters were associated with ankle muscle strength and balance performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty individuals with DPN and 30 control individuals have participated. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated by measuring the time to walk a set distance during self-selected and maximal walking speeds. Functional mobility and balance performance were assessed using the Functional Reach and the Time Up and Go tests. Ankle isometric muscle strength was assessed with a handheld digital dynamometer. Analyses of variance were employed to verify possible differences between groups and conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to uncover possible predictors of gait deficits. RESULTS: Gait spatiotemporal, functional mobility, balance performance and ankle muscle strength were affected in individuals with DPN. The Time Up and Go test performance and ankle muscle isometric strength were associated to spatiotemporal gait changes, especially during maximal walking speed condition. CONCLUSION: Functional mobility and balance performance are damaged in DPN and balance performance and ankle muscle strength can be used to predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with DPN.