The effect of hydrotherapy in breast cancer survivors

Hydrotherapy in BC

Project description

The added value of hydrotherapy as part of a supervised rehabilitation program in breast cancer survivors: a pilot study

More and more studies demonstrate the importance of physical activity during and after (breast) cancer treatment. Guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity and 2 to 3 strength training sessions per week. Other than the traditional land-based exercise types, hydrotherapy is one of the possible exercise modalities to reach the guidelines. Preliminary research indeed shows that hydrotherapy is a promising form of exercise after breast cancer treatment to improve physical and mental functioning. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study is to explore the added value of hydrotherapy in a training program after breast cancer treatment to improve physical and mental functioning. More specific, three training programs will be compared: 1) two supervised training sessions with a home exercise program; 2) three supervised training sessions, all land-based and 3) three supervised training sessions of which one is hydrotherapy. To answer these research questions, a 3-arm, randomised controlled study will be carried out with an evaluation of physical and mental functioning before and after the intervention (i.e. 3 months).

> CarEdOn primary researchers: Prof. Nele Devoogdt, Prof. An De Groef

> Research partners: Prof. Hans Wildiers, Multidisciplinary Breast Center, University Hospital Leuven (Belgium), Prof. Koen Peers, Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven (Belgium), Mrs. Anneleen Gebruers, Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven (Belgium), Mrs. Lies Serrien, Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven (Belgium)

> Funding: Internal funding of KU Leuven and University Hospital Leuven

> Keywords: breast cancer, exercise therapy, activity management, secondary edema, upper limb function, pain, physical activity

> Contactnele.devoogt@uzleuven.bean.degroef@kuleuven.be

Status
Analysing data
Starting date
01/01/2020
Status reference