The Effects of a Pilates Exercise Program on Pain, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors One Year Postsurgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of Pilates exercises on functional capacity, pain, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors one year postsurgery. SAMPLE & SETTING: 44 breast cancer survivors who participated in a 24-session Pilates exercise program at a physiotherapy clinic in Brazil. METHODS & VARIABLES: This prospective longitudinal study evaluated breast cancer survivors who performed Pilates exercises for 60 minutes twice weekly. Functional capacity was analyzed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Pain and quality of life were also analyzed. Scores were measured on admission, after 12 sessions, and after 24 sessions. RESULTS: Median DASH and SPADI scores improved by 61% after 24 Pilates exercise sessions. The average number of breast cancer survivors who performed complex tasks without difficulty after 12 sessions and 24 sessions increased considerably. Pain scores significantly decreased, and quality of life significantly improved after all sessions. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Incorporating a Pilates exercise program can decrease pain and improve functional status and quality of life among breast cancer survivors at least one year postsurgery.

Quality of Life of the Patient with Head and Neck Cancer Submitted to Radiotherapy and the Overload of Their Caregivers.

Introduction Esthetic and functional changes are frequent in patients with head and neck cancer, and they can be caused by both tumor and treatment. Physical and functional impairment often requires the need of a caregiver, who may feel overwhelmed with the tasks of care. Objective This study aims to evaluate the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer submitted to radiotherapy and the overload of their caregivers. Method This is a quantitative cross-sectional study with 42 patients with head and neck cancer and 17 caregivers evaluated during the radiotherapy treatment. Patients responded to the following questionnaires: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer (FACT-H&N) and Shame and Stigma Scale (SSS), while the caregivers responded to the Zarit Burden Interview Scale (ZBI) and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS). Results Head and neck cancer patients showed a decline in the quality of life in all FACT-H&N domains, with the domain of additional concerns having the worst outcome. Among the feelings reported by patients, the most important was penitence. Less than half of the patients needed caregivers. It was observed that the greater the degree of commitment of the patient, the greater the degree of overload of the caregiver. Conclusion Therefore, the quality of life of the patient with head and neck cancer is an important aspect to be considered during the therapeutic choice and in the follow-up of the patient, since it has influenced both the patient and his caregiver.