Can mat Pilates and belly dance be effective in improving body image, self-esteem, and sexual function in patients undergoing hormonal treatment for breast cancer? A randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a 16-week exercise intervention (mat Pilates or belly dance) on body image, self-esteem and sexual function in breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy. Seventy-four breast cancer survivors were randomly allocated into mat Pilates, belly dance, or control group. The physical activity groups received a 16-week intervention, delivered 3 days a week, and 60 min a session. The control group received three education sessions. Data collection occurred at baseline, post-intervention, 6 and 12 months of follow-up with a questionnaire including body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) measures. The belly dance group significantly improved body image on limitations scale in the short term and long term, the mat Pilates significantly improved body image on limitations only in the long term, and the control group significantly decreased body image on limitations in the long term. The belly dance group experienced reduced discomfort and pain during sexual relations in the short and long term. All groups showed a significant improvement in self-esteem, but orgasm sub-scale scores declined over time. No adverse events were found for any of the exercise intervention groups. Belly dance seem to be more effective than mat Pilates and control group in improving limitations of body image and sexual discomfort in the short term for breast cancer survivors. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03194997) - "Pilates and Dance to Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment".

Concurrent training protocol for men with androgen deficiency in the aging male: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The androgen deficiency in the aging male (ADAM) affects physical, sexual, and psychological aspects with characteristics symptoms of middle-aged men. The practice of regular physical activity and physical exercise can attenuate these symptoms. The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to propose a physical exercise protocol based on concurrent training for middle-aged men with ADAM. METHOD: Randomized clinical trial with a 6-month intervention will randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). Four evaluations will be carried out, (1) pre-intervention; (2) in the first month of intervention; (3) in the third month of intervention; (4) post-intervention, evaluating: physical, psychological, sexual, and hormonal aspects. The intervention protocol with concurrent training will have duration of 6 months; frequency of 3 times weekly, with 60 min per session. The two-way ANOVA test will be used for the inter-group and intra-group comparisons with repeated measurements, and also Sydak's comparison test. CONCLUSION: This protocol was developed with the intent of easing the symptoms of ADAM. In addition, it is believed that the concurrent training protocol could be capable to recover hormonal, physical, psychological, and sexual aspect of middle-aged men with ADAM.

Effects of Pilates method on quality of life, fatigue and sleep quality among breast cancer women receiving hormone therapy - Two-arm randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of the Pilates method on the quality of life, fatigue, and sleep quality of patients undergoing adjuvant clinical treatment with hormone therapy for breast cancer. METHODS: A randomized two-arm clinical trial with 34 breast cancer women that were randomized into two groups: a) Intervention group, who performed 16 weeks of mat Pilates; b) Control group, who maintained their daily routine activities and received three educational sessions. The questionnaires for each variable were applied before the intervention, after the intervention, and six months after the end of the intervention. Quality of life was assessed by The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), fatigue by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F), and sleep quality by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: The fatigue variable presented a time effect (p = 0.034) regardless of the analyzed group, in which a difference was found between baseline and the post-intervention period (p = 0.037). The variable sleep showed an effect of time (p = 0.025), presenting a difference between the baseline period and six months, with improvement for all participants (p = 0.004). Global health also showed a positive change also for all participants, with an isolated effect of time (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Interventions based on the Pilates method may bring positive results in quality of life, fatigue, and sleep quality in patients undergoing adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, but further studies on the subject are needed to prove the results in a larger number of patients.

Effects of Mat Pilates on quality of life, fatigue and body image in head and neck cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of a protocol based on the Mat Pilates method in an intervention group compared to a usual care control group, on quality of life, fatigue and body image of head and neck cancer survivors. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial with 30 survivors, allocated into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group underwent a 12-week Mat Pilates, twice a week, one hour long, and the control group attended two lectures and received weekly follow-up throughout the study period. Data collection took place through individual face-to-face interviews, focusing on assessing the outcomes: quality of life (FACT-H&N); fatigue (FACT-F) and body image (BIS). RESULTS: The Mat Pilates group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in both intragroup and intergroup analyses across the variables: quality of life (in total score (p = 0.007)/(p = 0.003), family well-being (p = 0.001)/(p = 0.008) and functional well-being (p = 0.001)/(p = 0.001)); body image in the total score (p = 0.001)/(p = 0.001) and in the subscales: body image (p = 0.046)/(p = 0.010), body care (p = 0.026)/(p = 0.010) and body touch (p = 0.013)/(p = 0.022); fatigue (p = 0.006)/(p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, future research could delve deeper into understanding the long-term effects of Mat Pilates interventions on quality of life, body image, and fatigue levels among survivors of head and neck cancer. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-3BS8XC6.

Incorporate Mat Pilates programs into rehabilitation protocols for head and neck cancer survivors to potentially improve their quality of life.Emphasize the importance of addressing body image concerns through targeted Mat Pilates exercises, focusing on body awareness and self-care.Provide ongoing support and encouragement to patients participating in Mat Pilates interventions to ensure adherence and maximize therapeutic benefits.

Mat Pilates and belly dance: Effects on patient-reported outcomes among breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy and adherence to exercise.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer treatment leads to several side effects. Exercise can help to reduce these side effects. However, it is unknown whether a mat Pilates or a belly dance intervention can improve the patient-reported outcomes of these women. OBJECTIVE: Examine the effects of a 16-week exercise intervention (mat Pilates or belly dance) on patient reported outcomes (PROs) among breast cancer survivors, at 16 weeks, six months, and 12 months; and investigate sociodemographic and clinical predictors of intervention adherence. METHODS: Seventy-four breast cancer survivors who were receiving hormone therapy were randomly allocated into mat Pilates (n = 25), belly dance (n = 25) or control group (educational sessions) (n = 24). Mat Pilates and belly dance groups received a 16-week intervention, delivered three days a week and 60 min a session. The control group received three education sessions and continue usual care. The patient reported outcomes assessed were depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), optimism (Life Orientation Test), fatigue (FACT-F), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and pain (VAS), clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and habitual physical activity (IPAQ short). RESULTS: All three groups showed a significant improvement in fatigue, and this effect was maintained during follow-up. No significant effects were found for depressive symptoms, optimism, stress, or pain. A history of exercise prior to breast cancer and be inactive after diagnosis were significant predictors of adherence to interventions. CONCLUSION: Mat Pilates, belly dance and a few educational sessions can be effective in improving fatigue after 16 weeks of intervention. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03194997).

Linking Physical Activity to Breast Cancer Risk via Inflammation, Part 1: The Effect of Physical Activity on Inflammation.

The protective effect of physical activity on breast cancer incidence may partially be mediated by inflammation. Systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus were performed to identify intervention studies, Mendelian randomization studies, and prospective cohort studies that examined the effects of physical activity on circulating inflammatory biomarkers in adult women. Meta-analyses were performed to generate effect estimates. Risk of bias was assessed, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to determine the overall quality of the evidence. Thirty-five intervention studies and one observational study met the criteria for inclusion. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCT) indicated that, compared with control groups, exercise interventions reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.62 to 0.08), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα, SMD = -0.63, 95% CI = -1.04 to -0.22), interleukin-6 (IL6, SMD = -0.55, 95% CI = -0.97 to -0.13) and leptin (SMD = -0.50, 95% CI = -1.10 to 0.09). Owing to heterogeneity in effect estimates and imprecision, evidence strength was graded as low (CRP, leptin) or moderate (TNFα and IL6). High-quality evidence indicated that exercise did not change adiponectin levels (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.14 to 0.17). These findings provide support for the biological plausibility of the first part of the physical activity-inflammation-breast cancer pathway.

Dance Rhythms Improve Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practices involving dance modalities found in binary (two-beat rhythm) or quaternary (four-beat rhythm) show that dance positively influences the motor aspects of disease.
Aim: This randomized clinical trial aimed to analyze the effect of two dance rhythm (binary and quaternary) on the balance, gait, and mobility in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).
Methods: Thirty-one individuals with PD were randomized into the binary group (n = 18) and the quaternary group (n = 13). Both groups participated in different dance rhythms lasting 12 weeks, twice a week, for 45 minutes.
Results: The binary group showed a significant difference in balance (p = 0.003), freezing of gait (p = 0.007), as well as in the motor aspects of MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), with emphasis on the total values with a score change of 3.23. In the quaternary group, significant differences were found in balance (p = 0.021) with a score change of -2.54 and in the motor aspects of the MDS-UPDRS Part III where the total values stood out with a change of 3.54.
Discussion: When comparing the possible effects of binary and quaternary rhythms on the motor symptoms of individuals with PD, it was demonstrated that binary rhythm improved balance, freezing gait, and UPDRSIII. As for the quaternary rhythm, the benefits were in balance and the UPDRSIII.
Conclusion: The binary and the quaternary rhythm dance protocols positively influenced the motor symptoms of individuals with PD after 12 weeks of intervention.

Linking Physical Activity to Breast Cancer via Sex Hormones, Part 1: The Effect of Physical Activity on Sex Steroid Hormones.

The effect of physical activity on breast cancer risk may be partly mediated by sex steroid hormones. This review synthesized and appraised the evidence for an effect of physical activity on sex steroid hormones. Systematic searches were performed using MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and SPORTDiscus to identify experimental studies and prospective cohort studies that examined physical activity and estrogens, progestins, and/or androgens, as well as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and glucocorticoids in pre- and postmenopausal women. Meta-analyses were performed to generate effect estimates. Risk of bias was assessed, and the GRADE system was used to appraise quality of the evidence. Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials (RCT), 81 nonrandomized interventions, and six observational studies were included. Estrogens, progesterone, and androgens mostly decreased, and SHBG increased, in response to physical activity. Effect sizes were small, and evidence quality was graded moderate or high for each outcome. Reductions in select sex steroid hormones following exercise supports the biological plausibility of the first part of the physical activity-sex hormone-breast cancer pathway. The confirmed effect of physical activity on decreasing circulating sex steroid hormones supports its causal role in preventing breast cancer.See related reviews by Lynch et al., p. 11 and Drummond et al., p. 28.

Linking Physical Activity to Breast Cancer via Sex Steroid Hormones, Part 2: The Effect of Sex Steroid Hormones on Breast Cancer Risk.

We undertook a systematic review and appraised the evidence for an effect of circulating sex steroid hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) on breast cancer risk in pre- and postmenopausal women. Systematic searches identified prospective studies relevant to this review. Meta-analyses estimated breast cancer risk for women with the highest compared with the lowest level of sex hormones, and the DRMETA Stata package was used to graphically represent the shape of these associations. The ROBINS-E tool assessed risk of bias, and the GRADE system appraised the strength of evidence. In premenopausal women, there was little evidence that estrogens, progesterone, or SHBG were associated with breast cancer risk, whereas androgens showed a positive association. In postmenopausal women, higher estrogens and androgens were associated with an increase in breast cancer risk, whereas higher SHBG was inversely associated with risk. The strength of the evidence quality ranged from low to high for each hormone. Dose-response relationships between sex steroid hormone concentrations and breast cancer risk were most notable for postmenopausal women. These data support the plausibility of a role for sex steroid hormones in mediating the causal relationship between physical activity and the risk of breast cancer.See related reviews by Lynch et al., p. 11 and Swain et al., p. 16.

Can belly dance and mat Pilates be effective for range of motion, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms of breast cancer women?

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyse the effect of an intervention with belly dance or mat Pilates on range of motion, self-esteem and depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer receiving hormone therapy. METHOD: A randomized clinical trial of 52 participants, diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy that were randomized and divided into three groups (1): Belly dance group, which received 16 weeks of Belly Dance classes 2) Mat Pilates group, that performed 16 weeks of Pilates intervention and (3) Control group, that received educational activities in the form of lectures and was invited to maintain its routine activities. The participants answered a questionnaire in which they contained the clinical and personal characteristics; quantification of the range of motion of the upper limbs using the Absolute Axis 360° digital goniometer; self-esteem by the Self-Esteem Scale (EAR) and depressive symptoms by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). All data was collected at two moments in the study, in the pre-intervention period (baseline) and at the end of the 16 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: Only the variable range of motion variable showed significant results in all study groups (p = 0.025), with the Mat Pilates group having the best scores. Although not significant, the other study variables also improved after the intervention period. CONCLUSION: Belly dance and the Mat Pilates can bring positive results in the range of movement of women undergoing adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, with the Pilates method being the one that most contributed to improvements in this variable.

Binary dance rhythm or Quaternary dance rhythm which has the greatest effect on non-motor symptoms of individuals with Parkinson's disease?

This study aimed to compare the effect of a binary and quaternary rhythm protocol on cognition, mental activity, daily life, and quality of life among individuals with Parkinson's Disease. A two-arm randomized clinical trial with 31 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, who were allocated to the binary group or quaternary group. Both groups underwent a 12-week intervention. The following variables were analyzed: personal and clinical information; MoCA; UPDRSI and II; PDQ-39. Both intervention groups improved cognition, mental activity, activities of daily living, and quality of life. In addition, there were intergroup differences in total UPDRSII, writing, and hygiene where the quaternary group was superior to the binary group. It concludes that the binary and quaternary rhythm positively influenced and presented similar effects on the complementary treatment of individuals with Parkinson's disease on the studied variables. Thus, it is believed that both interventions are possible and feasible for the health professionals involved in the area.

Mat pilates method improve postural alignment women undergoing hormone therapy adjunct to breast cancer treatment. Clinical trial.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the effects of a mat Pilates intervention on the postural alignment and balance of breast cancer women receiving hormone therapy. A two-arm randomized clinical trial included 34 breast cancer survivors divided randomly between a mat Pilates group (n = 18), that performed 16 weeks of mat Pilates exercises, and a control group (n = 16), who were invited to maintain their daily routine activities and received three educational sessions. Data collection occurred at baseline and at post-intervention time. The postural alignment was assessed using the Postural Assessment Software (SAPO) and the balance was assessed by the MINIBESTest. When the two-way ANOVA was performed on postural alignment results, a significant statistical difference was found in the angle between acromions and the anterior-superior iliac spines of the mat Pilates group (p = 0.036). When compared to the post-intervention period, the mat Pilates method had an improved horizontal alignment of the anterior-superior iliac spines (p = 0.039) and vertical alignment of the acromion head on the right side (p = 0,016). Also, the participants of the Pilates group showed a significant statistical difference in the balance (p = 0.034). The control group had an improved vertical trunk alignment on the left side (p = 0,048). The control group and the mat Pilates method group improved in some aspects, however the mat Pilates method was effective in improving the postural alignment and the balance of breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy and may be recommended in oncological rehabilitation as a type of complementary therapy.

The influence of 12-week dance intervention on sleep quality and pain among women with breast cancer - Pilot study of a non-randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Analyze the effects of a 12-week dance intervention on the sleep quality and the level of pain among women with breast cancer. METHODS: Non-randomized clinical trial including 21 breast cancer survivors allocated in intervention group (n = 11) or control group (n = 10). Intervention group received a 12-week mix dance intervention and the control group maintained their routine activities. Data collection was realized through the application of a questionnaire before and after 12 weeks, involving pain (VAS) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). The Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Sidák correction, and multiple linear regression was used. RESULTS: No significant effects were found on sleep quality and pain after the 12-week intervention with a mix dance protocol. Also, no significant difference was found between intervention and control group during post-intervention. The multiple linear regression analysis, controlled by stage of treatment, did not present a significant relationship between sleep quality and pain. Additionally, some spontaneous reports provided by the participants demonstrated a subjective improvement in their social life and general well-being. CONCLUSION: The 12-week mix dance intervention did not seem to directly influence the sleep quality and pain of breast cancer survivors in this study; however, no adverse events were reported. Perhaps, a dance protocol focusing only in one modality of dance may be more effective for breast cancer survivors on sleep quality and pain.

Exercise associated or not to the intake of Eurycoma longifolia improves strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in men with androgen deficiency.

This study aims to analyze the effects of a concurrent training (CT) associated with Eurycoma longifolia (EL) supplementation on the muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and symptomatology score of men with the androgen deficiency of aging male (ADAM). Forty-five subjects (47.6 ± 5.2 years) were included in the study. The randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial lasted for 6 months. Participants were randomized into four groups, control (C; n = 12); EL (n = 11); CT (n = 11); and CT + EL (n = 11). Along this period, the isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensors increased in the CT (14%) and CT + EL (17%) groups (p = 0.040; p = 0.006, respectively), while the isokinetic peak torque of knee flexion increased in the CT + EL group only (p < 0.05). For all participants, testosterone levels were correlated with isokinetic peak torque of knee extension (r = 0.517, p = 0.001) and flexion (r = 0.362, p = 0.028). Subjects of the CT (27.3%) and CT + EL (36.1%) groups decreased the symptomatology of ADAM (p = 0.005). This study demonstrated the benefits of CT and EL consumption as a non-pharmacological treatment for ADAM.

Effects of exercise on physical outcomes of breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Side-effects of hormone therapy can impair the physical health of breast cancer survivors. Exercise has been clearly shown to improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Less is known about the effects of exercise on physical outcomes for breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of exercise on physical outcomes of breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched by two authors using the terms "Breast Neoplasms" [MeSH] and "Tamoxifen" [MeSH] and "Aromatase Inhibitors" [MeSH] and "Exercise" [MeSH]. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration tool and ROBINS-I, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Pooled effects were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Two hundred and fourteen breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy, tamoxifen, or aromatase inhibitors participated in interventions based on aerobic plus resistance exercise or walking activity. The physical outcomes reported in the articles were: cardiorespiratory fitness, pain, bone mineral density, grip strength, and body fat percentage. Exercise effects were found only for cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.37; 95 % CI: 0.11; 0.63; I2 = 93 %) and pain (SMD = -0.55; IC95 % -1.11; -0.00; I2 = 80 %), with low quality of evidence. No effects were observed for the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic plus resistance exercise had positive effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and pain in breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy. However, high-quality randomized clinical trials are required to confirm this finding.

Pilates and dance to patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial - MoveMama study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a global public health issue. The side effects of the clinical treatment can decrease the quality of life of these women. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is essential to minimize the physical and psychological side effects of treatment. Physical activity has several benefits for women with breast cancer, and Pilates solo and belly dancing can be an enjoyable type of physical activity for women with breast cancer undergoing clinical treatment. The purpose of this study is to provide a Pilates solo and a belly dance protocol (three times per week/16 weeks) for women undergoing breast cancer treatment and compare its effectiveness with that in the control group. METHODS: The participants will be allocated to either the intervention arm (Pilates solo or belly dance classes three times per week for 16 weeks) or a control group (receipt of a booklet on physical activity for patients with breast cancer and maintenance of habitual physical activity routine). The Pilates solo and belly dance classes will be divided into three stages: warmup and stretching, the main stage, and relaxation. Measurements of the study outcomes will take place at baseline; postintervention; and 6, 12, and 24 months after the end of the intervention (maintenance period). The data collection for both groups will occur with a paper questionnaire and tests covering general and clinical information. The primary outcome will be quality of life (EORT QLQ-C30 and EORT QLQ-BR23), and secondary outcomes will be physical aspects such as cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk test and cycle ergometer), lymphedema (sum of arm circumference), physical activity (IPAQ short version), disabilities of the arm (DASH), range of motion (goniometer test), muscular strength (dynamometer test) and flexibility (sit and reach test), and psychological aspects such as depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg), fatigue (FACT-F), pain (VAS), sexual function (FSFI), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). DISCUSSION: In view of the high prevalence of breast cancer among women, the implementation of a specific protocol of Pilates solo and belly dancing for patients with breast cancer is important, considering the necessity to improve their physical and psychological quality of life. Pilates solo and belly dancing are two types of physical activity that involve mental and physical concentration, music, upper limb movements, femininity, and social involvement. An intervention with these two physical activities could offer options of supportive care to women with breast cancer undergoing treatment, with the aim being to improve physical and psychological quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03194997. Registration date 12 August 2017. Universal Trial Number (World Health Organization), U1111-1195-1623.

Feasibility of a Brazilian samba protocol for patients with Parkinson's disease: a clinical non-randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a Brazilian samba protocol in individuals with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Twenty participants, mean age of 66.4±10.7 years, diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson 's disease, divided into: experimental group that received the intervention of Brazilian samba dance classes (10 individuals); and control group that maintained their routine activities (10 individuals). For data collection, a divided questionnaire was used: General Information; Disability stages scale; Balance and Quality of Life. RESULTS: During class implementation, there were no falls, as all dance activities adhered to the details of the protocol steps without any changes. On average, patients completed 82.7% of activities. After 12 weeks, the experimental group had improvements in the UPDRS global score, in daily activities, and on motor examination. There was also improvement in balance scores and in the mobility domain of the quality of life in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: The samba protocol seems to be feasible and safe for patients with PD. Moreover, it has pleasant characteristics and offers sufficient physical benefits for combination with drug treatment. There were also benefits in social relationships and as a possible rehabilitation tool in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Factors associated with depression symptoms in women after breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with the presence of depression symptoms in women after breast cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 181 women with breast cancer, aged 57.0 years (SD = 9.5), who were undergoing treatment or after treatment in the Oncology Research Center in Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The questionnaire comprised items addressing general and health information, economic level, anthropometric measures, depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests to verify association, Mann-Whitney U test to compare the groups and Poisson regression to identify the prevalence ratio of the factors associated with presence of depression symptoms (p < 0.05). RESULTS: We found an association between the presence of depression symptoms and the group of younger women (aged 40-60 years), those who had another disease besides cancer, those who had mastectomy surgery, those who suffered from lymphedema, and those who presented low-medium self-esteem. Less educated women presented more depressive symptoms, as did women with worse body image on the subscales of limitations, transparency, and arm concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Age, educational attainment, diagnosis of other diseases, type of surgery, lymphedema, self-esteem, and body image were factors associated with the presence of depression symptoms in Brazilian women after breast cancer. Health professionals should be aware of these relationships and try to detect depression symptoms earlier and improve the care they provide to these women.

Effect of physical exercise on the cardiorespiratory fitness of men-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzes the effect of physical exercise on the cardiorespiratory fitness of men according to type, intensity and duration of intervention, using data from randomized clinical trials; it also seeks to verify the dose-response relationship between duration and intensity of exercise and level of fitness. Databases were searched for reports of relevant studies. A methodological evaluation was carried out. In the statistical analysis, mean, standard deviation and sample size of each group were used. The mean age of the participants was 48.2 ±â€¯17.1 years. The effect on men's VO2 (a measure of cardiovascular fitness) of five to 120 weeks of exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity was found to be a change of 10.190 L/min-1. A meta-regression analysis did not reveal significant results. A positive effect on VO2 of men of different age groups was observed after aerobic and resistance exercise interventions, indicating the beneficial effects of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness.

Free dance randomized clinical trial for women undergoing breast cancer surgery / Ensaio clínico aleatório de dança gratuita para mulheres submetidas a cirurgia de câncer da mama / Ensayo clínico aleatorizado de danza gratuita para mujeres sometidas a cirugía de cáncer de mama

Objective: to analyze the effect of a free dance protocol (pre and post 12- week intervention) on depressive symptoms, body image and sexual function in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Methods: a randomized clinical trial, composed of 24 women undergoing surgery after the diagnosis of breast cancer, who were randomized into two groups: Free dance Intervention Group and Control Group. The free dance group received the intervention twice a week, 60 minutes per session, for 12 weeks. The control group maintained their routine activities during the 12 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after the 12 weeks of intervention. Outcomes evaluated were depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Questionnaire - BDI), body image (Body Image after Breast Cancer questionnaire) and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire). Results: Body image showed a significant intragroup difference in free dance in the vulnerability domain (p=0.031), significant intergroup difference in the limitation domain (p=0.045) and concern with the body (p=0.035). Sexual function showed a significant intragroup difference in free dance in the desired domain (p=0.031) and a significant intragroup difference in the control group in the lubrication domain (p=0.021), however in a negative way. No differences were found for depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The practice of free dancing showed a positive effect, even if small, on body image and a negative effect on sexual function in women undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Objetivo: analisar o efeito de um protocolo de dança livre (pré e pós- intervenção de 12 semanas) sobre os sintomas depressivos, imagem corporal e função sexual em mulheres submetidas a cirurgia de câncer de mama. Métodos: um ensaio clínico randomizado, composto por 24 mulheres submetidas à cirurgia após o diagnóstico de câncer de mama, que foram randomizadas em dois grupos: Free dance Intervention Group e Control Group. O grupo de dança gratuita recebeu a intervenção duas vezes por semana, 60 minutos por sessão, por 12 semanas. O grupo de controle manteve suas atividades de rotina durante as 12 semanas. Todos os participantes foram avaliados antes e depois das 12 semanas de intervenção. Os resultados avaliados foram sintomas depressivos (Beck Depression Questionnaire - BDI), imagem corporal (Body Image após Breast Cancer Questionário) e função sexual (Feminino Sexual Function Index Questionnaire). Resultados: A imagem corporal mostrou diferença intragrupo significativa na dança livre no domínio de vulnerabilidade (p=0,031), diferença significativa no domínio de limitação (p=0,045) e preocupação com o corpo (p=0,035). A função sexual mostrou diferença intragrupo significativa na dança livre no domínio desejado (p=0,031) e diferença intragrupo significativa no grupo controle no domínio de lubrificação (p=0,021), porém de forma negativa. Não foram encontradas diferenças para os sintomas depressivos. Conclusões: A prática da dança livre mostrou um efeito positivo, ainda que pequeno, na imagem corporal e um efeito negativo na função sexual em mulheres submetidas à cirurgia de câncer de mama.

Objetivo: analizar el efecto de un protocolo de baile libre (pre y post intervención de 12 semanas) sobre la sintomatología depresiva, imagen corporal y función sexual en mujeres sometidas a cirugía por cáncer de mama. Métodos: ensayo clínico aleatorizado, compuesto por 24 mujeres sometidas a cirugía después del diagnóstico de cáncer de mama, que fueron aleatorizadas en dos grupos: Grupo de Intervención de Danza Libre y Grupo Control. El grupo de baile gratuito recibió la intervención dos veces por semana, 60 minutos por sesión, durante 12 semanas. El grupo control mantuvo sus actividades rutinarias durante las 12 semanas. Todos los participantes fueron evaluados antes y después de las 12 semanas de intervención. Los resultados evaluados fueron síntomas depresivos (cuestionario de depresión de Beck - BDI), imagen corporal (cuestionario de imagen corporal después de cáncer de mama) y función sexual (cuestionario de índice de función sexual femenina). Resultados: La imagen corporal mostró una diferencia intragrupo significativa en la danza libre en el dominio de vulnerabilidad (p=0,031), diferencia intergrupal significativa en el dominio de limitación (p=0,045) y preocupación por el cuerpo (p=0,035). La función sexual mostró una diferencia intragrupo significativa en la danza libre en el dominio deseado (p=0,031) y una diferencia intragrupo significativa en el grupo control en el dominio de lubricación (p=0,021), sin embargo de manera negativa. No se encontraron diferencias para la sintomatología depresiva. Conclusiones: La práctica del baile libre mostró un efecto positivo, aunque pequeño, sobre la imagen corporal y un efecto negativo sobre la función sexual en mujeres sometidas a cirugía por cáncer de mama.