Correlation between level of physical activity of breast cancer survivors and shoulder functionality

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the relationship between shoulder functional capacity and physical activity in women treated for breast cancer. The participants were 84 women assisted by the Sistema Único de Saúde in Aracaju/SE with at least one year after mastectomy and adjuvant therapies. The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); the functional capacity of the shoulder by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire; quality of life by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTCQLQ-C30) and the EORTC QLQ-BR23. A scapular dynamometer was used to measure the range of motion and to evaluate muscle strength. By multiple logistic regression, it was identified that a unit plus the total SPADI increases by 7% (p = 0,0000005) the chance of being little active and an increased unit of SPADI pain by 4% (p = 0,0002341). The impairment of the functional capacity of the shoulder, the presence of pain, and muscle weakness can contribute to barriers in the performance of physical activity, making these women inactive. Such findings are useful to develop strategies to stimulate this profile of women, allowing to improve the levels of physical activity and quality of life.