Effects of vibration therapy in the musculoskeletal system in post-surgical breast cancer women: longitudinal controlled clinical study

Abstract: Introduction The biomechanical changes that arise after breast cancer increase the need for new rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate medium- and long-term effects of vibration therapy on pain intensity, range of motion, myoelectric activity, and muscle strength of post-surgical breast cancer women. Methods This controlled longitudinal clinical study was composed of 14 breast cancer women, who underwent vibration therapy treatment (VTG), and 14 healthy women, who constituted the control group (CG). The VTG performed ten 15-minutes sessions of vibration therapy on their affected upper limb. The volunteers were evaluated before and after treatment protocol, and three months later. Results We observed an attenuation of pain intensity after vibration therapy (p < 0.0001) and significant increase in range of motion during extension, abduction, and adduction movements of the horizontal shoulder. We noticed a trend in the reduction of compensatory movements, which activated the muscle contraction mechanism. The scapular dynamometer values for shoulder strength were significant. The VTG had less muscle strength than the CG in all situations: before treatment (p < 0.0001), after treatment (p = 0.0024), and 3 months later (p = 0.0008). The VTG increased muscle strength after treatment (p = 0.0005) and 3 months later (p = 0.0006). Conclusion Vibration therapy attenuated pain symptoms, improved shoulder movements, activated muscle contraction mechanism, and increased shoulder strength, which may be benefits of the conducted physical therapy.

Muscle electrical activity during exercises with and without load executed on dry land and in an aquatic environment

Introduction Muscle activity in the aquatic environment was investigated using electromyographic analyses. The physical properties of water and the resistance used may influence the response of the muscle during exercise. The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrical activity in water and on the floor during flexion and knee extension exercises with and without load and aimed at understanding the muscular response while performing resistance exercises in water. Methods The sample consisted of 14 volunteers between 18 and 35 years old who were subjected to active exercises involving knee flexion and extension with and without load on the floor and in water. Electromyography was performed during the movement. Results A significant increase was found in the electrical activity of the rectus femoris muscle during exercises on the floor. The biceps femoris muscle showed increased electromyographic activity when resistance was used. A significant increase was found in the electrical activity of the rectus femoris muscle compared with exercises with and without load and the moment of rest in immersion. The electrical activity of the rectus and biceps femoris muscles was reduced in exercises with load and without load in a therapy pool compared with on the floor. Conclusion There was a reduction of the electromyographic activity in the aquatic environment compared with that on the ground, which could be attributed to the effects from hot water. Therefore, it is believed that resistance exercises can be performed early in a therapy pool, which will facilitate the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Correlação da dor e qualidade de vida demulheres pós-tratamento cirúrgico de câncerde mama / Correlation pain-quality of life in women after being submittedto surgical treatment of breast cancer

O câncer de mama, considerado mais incidente na população feminina, provoca alterações físico-funcionais e emocionaisque dificulta as atividades de vida diária, gerando impacto na qualidade de vida das mulheres. O objetivo desteestudo foi caracterizar a influência da síndrome dolorosa pós mastectomia, correlacionando dor e qualidade de vida. Foirealizado um estudo descritivo-exploratório com abordagem quantitativa por meio do questionário de Qualidade de VidaSF-36. A amostra constou de 49 mulheres com idade média de 53,9 ± 8,8 anos, atendidas em Centros Especializados deOncologia da região. Não houve diferença significativa entre o domínio dor quando comparado aos demais domínios.Observou-se alta correlação entre o tempo pós-cirúrgico de 3 a 6 anos e o domínio dor (r = 0,90). Foi encontrado aumentosignificativo da dor entre mulheres idosas quando comparado as mais jovens (p = 0,05). Conclui-se com a realização destapesquisa que a dor relacionada ao câncer de mama é um sintoma clínico debilitante, porém não constitui o fator primáriopara o déficit da qualidade de vida, o qual é influenciado principalmente pelo aspecto emocional.

Breast cancer, which is more prevalent in the female population, causes physical, functional, and emotional changes thatmake daily activities difficult, affecting women’s quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterize the influence ofpost mastectomy pain syndrome, correlating pain and quality of life. We conducted a descriptive exploratory study with aquantitative approach using the Quality of Life Questionnaire SF-36. The sample consisted of 49 women with a mean ageof 53.9 ± 8.8 years, treated in Specialized Oncology Centers in the region. There was no significant difference between thepain domains compared to other domains. There was a high correlation between time after surgery, 3-6 years, and paindomain (r = 90). Older women had a significant increase in pain compared to younger ones (p = 05). This research foundthat the pain related to breast cancer is a debilitating clinical symptom, but not the primary factor for deficits in quality oflife, which is mainly influenced by emotional aspects.