Analysis of physical functionality, quality of life and autonomic dysfunction in women survivors of breast cancer: effects of physical exercise.

• Grant number: 23/17341-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Chakur Brum
• Grantee: Anne Caroline de Oliveira Souza
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte (EEFE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Due to advances in research and antineoplastic treatment, the survival of women with breast cancer has increased significantly. However, side effects associated with chemotherapy have affected their quality of life and health. Among these side effects, autonomic dysfunction, characterized by sympathetic hyperactivity and vagal hypoactivity, has emerged for its association with a higher susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, physical exercise has emerged as a valuable strategy alongside conventional oncological treatment to reduce the effects of autonomic dysfunction. Our hypothesis is that women who have had breast cancer will exhibit autonomic dysfunction and that physical training will improve their autonomic balance, physical functionality, and the quality of life. Therefore, this project aims to evaluate autonomic function in breast cancer survivors with a history of chemotherapy treatment and its possible association with physical functionality, emotional factors, and their levels of physical activity. Ultimately, the results obtained will potentially provide scientific evidence for physical training to act as a complementary cancer treatment, promoting improvement in autonomic balance in breast cancer survivors and reducing the occurrence of this common deleterious effect resulting from antineoplastic treatment.