Citation Information :
Kakade A, Dandekar P, Patel J, Contractor A. Improving Outcomes in Patients of Breast Cancer with Integrated Oncology Services. Indian J Phy Med Rehab 2020; 31 (4):75-79.
Aim and objective: The main objective was to determine the outcome of oncology-specific rehabilitation (OR) exercises in patients of breast cancer in terms of improvement in 6-minute walk test distance (6MWTD) and quality of life (QOL).
Materials and methods: An observational study was performed on patients with breast cancer who underwent OR exercises during their treatment of the disease. The 6MWTD was documented before and after exercises, different parameters were statistically analyzed, and QOL improvement was recorded with a functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT) questionnaire.
Results: Post-OR exercises, all (n = 46) patients had a statistically significant improvement in 6MWTD (p = 0.0001). Patients not receiving chemotherapy did not show any improvement post-rehabilitation (p = 0.103). Patients of age <55 years did better than ≥55 years in 6MWTD (p = 0.003). Functional assessment of chronic illness therapy questionnaire showed a statistically significant improvement in the physical, emotional, and additional well-being of the patients. No significant benefit was seen in social and functional well-being. The total FACIT score showed a statistically significant improvement in the QOL of all patients (p = 0.01).
Conclusion: With the above experience, OR exercises program for patients with breast cancer has a significant impact on physical endurance and QOL as per our study.
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