Influence of a water physical rehabilitation program on the hemodynamic parameters in breast cancer survivors

• Published in: Physiotherapy quarterly 2019, Vol.27 (2), p.6-10
• Main Authors: Odynets, Tetiana, Briskin, Yuriy, Zakharina, Ievgeniia, Yefremova, Anzhelika
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Cancer therapies; cardiovascular system; physical therapye; Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 2544-4395; 2544-4395
• DOI: 10.5114/pq.2019.84267

Introduction Numerous women experience fatigue, arrhythmias, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and pulmonary side effects induced by breast cancer treatment. The aim of the study was to analyse the changes in hemodynamic parameters in breast cancer survivors under the influence of a water physical rehabilitation program. Methods Overall, 34 women after breast cancer treatment completed a water physical rehabilitation program (group A) and 34 completed a Pilates program (group B). In both groups, the participants performed the same number of sessions 3 times a week for 3 months. The study was conducted during outpatient rehabilitation. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated with impedance cardiography. Results Significant improvement was observed in both groups but it was more significant in group A. The actual value of cardiac output was higher in group A compared with group B by 0.64 l/min (p < 0.01), left ventricular power by 0.49 W (p < 0.01), and left ventricular work by 0.54 gm-m/beat (p < 0.01). Conclusions The water program resulted in more significant improvements in cardiac output, stroke index, systemic vascular resistance, left ventricular work, and left ventricular power compared with the Pilates program during outpatient rehabilitation in women after breast cancer treatment.