Analysis of physical functionality, quality of life, and autonomic dysfunction in breast cancer survivors: associations with physical activity level.

• Grant number: 25/20811-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 28, 2026
• End date: June 27, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Chakur Brum
• Grantee: Anne Caroline de Oliveira Souza
• Supervisor: Tiago Pecanha de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte (EEFE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), England
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/17341-7 - Analysis of physical functionality, quality of life and autonomic dysfunction in women survivors of breast cancer: effects of physical exercise., BP.IC

Abstract

Due to advances in antineoplastic research and treatment, the survival of women with breast cancer has increased significantly. However, the side effects associated with chemotherapy affected her quality of life and health. Among these side effects, autonomic dysfunction, characterized by sympathetic hyperactivity and vagal hypoactivity, has arisen due to its association with greater susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, physical exercise has emerged as a valuable strategy alongside conventional cancer treatment to reduce the effects of autonomic dysfunction. We hypothesize that women who have had breast cancer will have altered cardiac autonomic control and that exercise training will improve their autonomic cardiac control, physical functionality, and quality of life. Therefore, the proposal for the internship has two main objectives: a) to perform an in-depth analysis of the autonomic function data obtained from breast cancer survivors in Brazil, with the aim of identifying potential associations between autonomic dysfunction and cognitive impairment. This entails exploring how deviations from normal autonomic regulation may contribute to or be indicative of cognitive decline. The study seeks to advance the understanding of the interaction between the autonomic nervous system and neurocognitive health, providing valuable insights into the physiological underpinnings of cognitive challenges in the context of cancer survival; b) acquire practical training in the evaluation of cerebral blood flow regulation, with the general objective of applying this experience in future investigations. This objective includes the development of technical proficiency in the implementation of a standardized protocol for assessing cerebral blood flow through transcranial Doppler ultrasound, as well as the acquisition of practical experience in the collection, processing, and preliminary interpretation of hemodynamic data. By establishing this set of methodological and analytical skills, this preparatory phase of the project intends to establish the knowledge bases necessary for future studies that research the interconnections between cerebral hemodynamics, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment in the context of post-breast cancer survival.