Multidisciplinary rehabilitation program after breast cancer: benefits on physical function, anthropometry and quality of life.
BACKGROUND
Different clinical trials show beneficial effects of physical training offered during and/or after breast cancer treatment. However, given the variety of side effects that may be encountered, physical training could be combined with psychological, relational and social guidance. This kind of multidisciplinary program has been little studied so far.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the benefits of a three-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation program among women after breast cancer treatment.


METHODS
Controlled no-randomized trial.


METHODS
University for outcomes, University Hospital Center for interventions.


METHODS
Two hundred and nine outpatients who have been treated for a primary breast carcinoma.


METHODS
Patients were divided into a control group (N.=106) and an experimental group (N.=103) which has benefited from a rehabilitation program of three months including physical training and psycho-educational sessions. The assessments, performed before and after the program, included functional assessments ("Sit and Reach Test", maximal incremental exercise test and "Six-Minute Walk Test"), body composition measurements (Body Mass Index [BMI] and body fat percentage) and a questionnaire (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30).


RESULTS
After three months, flexibility, walking distance and all parameters measured during the maximal incremental exercise, except maximal heart rate, were significantly improved in the experimental group. The body fat percentage was significantly decreased and a significant improvement was observed for perceived health status (quality of life), functional role, emotional state, physical, cognitive and social functions and for most symptoms. In the control group, most of these improvements didn't appear and a significant increase in BMI and body fat percentage was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This trial identifies the benefits of a well detailed multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, including physical re-conditioning and psycho-educational sessions, with important improvements in functional capacity, body composition and the majority of functions and symptoms among women after breast cancer treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Through its results, this study could contribute to the development of hospital quality standards for oncologic rehabilitation. Physiotherapists can efficiently propose this kind of multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.
Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Science, Liège University, Liège, Belgium - af.leclerc@ulg.ac.be.|Department of Physical Medicine, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium - af.leclerc@ulg.ac.be.
Anne-France
AF
Leclerc
Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Science, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.|Department of Physical Medicine, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Marguerite
M
Foidart-Dessalle
Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Science, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.|Department of Physical Medicine, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Marco
M
Tomasella
Department of Radiotherapy, Liège University, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Philippe
P
Coucke
Clinical Hematology Service, Oncology Center, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Martine
M
Devos
Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.
Olivier
O
Bruyère
Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Science, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.|Department of Physical Medicine, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Thierry
T
Bury
Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Science, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.
Dorian
D
Deflandre
Division of Medical Oncology, Liège University, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Guy
G
Jerusalem
Department of Senology, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Eric
E
Lifrange
Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Science, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.|Department of Physical Medicine, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Jean-François
JF
Kaux
Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Science, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.|Department of Physical Medicine, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Jean-Michel
JM
Crielaard
Department of Sport and Rehabilitation Science, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.|Department of Physical Medicine, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium.
Didier
D
Maquet
D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D001530:Belgium; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D016730:Program Development; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome