Impact of short-duration physical exercise on the upper limb of women treated for breast cancer: the Blue Flower Project

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of short-duration physical exercise on quality of life and functionality, range of motion,
and upper limb volumetry in women treated for breast cancer. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. Women with
a diagnosis of breast cancer who had completed cancer treatment were included. The intervention lasted 24 weeks, with a
progressive exercise protocol using body weight, six days per week, lasting 12 minutes per day. Activities were performed
in person in groups once a week and individually through a specific application from the Blue Flower Project five times
a week. The variables assessed were quality of life related to upper limb dysfunctions (disabilities of the arm, shoulder,
and hand questionnaire; DASH), shoulder functionality (goniometer; BAIOBIT®), subclinical arm volume/lymphedema,
and body composition (bioimpedance; inBody 770®). All assessments were conducted at baseline, three months, and six
months. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied. A significance level of 5% (p<0.050) was assumed
for statistical significance. Results: Of the 56 women who started the program, 34 completed the 24 weeks. The mean
age was 57 (standard deviation ±8) years. There was a significant improvement in quality of life related to upper limb dysfunction measured by DASH (p=0.001) and in the range of motion for flexion (p=0.017), adduction (p=0.007), abduction
(p=0.005), medial rotation (p=0.011), and lateral rotation of the shoulder (p=0.01). Patients also showed a reduction in upper
limb volumetry measured by tape (p=0.017) and in lean muscle mass of the arms assessed by bioimpedance (p=0.006).
Conclusion: Daily physical activity for 12 minutes had a significant impact on quality of life related to upper limb functionality, range of motion in all movements, and a reduction in arm volumetry in women treated for breast cancer.