Breast Cancer Survivorship, Exercise, Functional Capacity, Hormonal Therapy, Muscle Oxygenation, Near-infrared Spectroscopy, Quality of Life
Conditions
Brief summary
This cross-sectional observational study aims to assess muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) in the intercostal, quadriceps, and triceps surae muscles using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during functional exercise tests in breast cancer survivors. Participants will be grouped based on their previous cancer treatment: hormonal therapy only or hormonal therapy combined with chemotherapy. Functional performance will be evaluated through the 6-Minute Walk Test, 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, and a submaximal treadmill test. The study will analyze differences in muscle oxygenation and performance between groups and explore associations with other functional and clinical parameters.
Detailed description
This study focuses on evaluating muscle oxygen saturation and physical performance in women who have survived breast cancer. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapy can lead to systemic effects, including muscular deconditioning, fatigue, and reduced cardiorespiratory capacity. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a non-invasive means of assessing SmO2 in real-time, providing insight into oxygen delivery and utilization during exercise. Participants will undergo three functional tests: the 6-Minute Walk Test, the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, and a submaximal treadmill test. Muscle oxygenation will be measured in three key muscle groups before, during, and after each task. Additional outcomes include functional test performance, respiratory strength, pulmonary function, fatigue perception, and quality of life questionnaires. This study will explore whether prior cancer treatment protocols affect muscle oxygenation and physical function differently, and may inform future rehabilitation strategies tailored to breast cancer survivors.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTFunctional Exercise Testing and Muscle Oxygen Saturation Measurement
Participants will complete three physical performance tests: (1) the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), (2) the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, and (3) a submaximal treadmill test. Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) will be continuously monitored during the tests using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) devices placed on the intercostal, quadriceps, and triceps surae muscles. Additional variables such as heart rate, perceived exertion, respiratory pressures, pulmonary function, and fatigue will be assessed during or after the tests.
Sponsors
University of Extremadura
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CROSSOVER
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
30 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Women aged 30 to 70 years * Clinical history of breast cancer treatment (at least 6 months prior) * Completed primary cancer treatment * Ability to perform physical tests * Signed informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Recurrence or metastasis * Severe cardiopulmonary or musculoskeletal disease * Neurological or cognitive limitations * Ongoing oncological treatment
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle oxygen saturation (%) | Within a single assessment session (~1 hour) | Measured via NIRS in intercostal, quadriceps, and triceps surae muscles during three functional tests (6MWT, 30CST, treadmill) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of repetitions in the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test | During and immediately after functional assessment session | — |
| Maximal heart rate and recovery rate during treadmill test | During and immediately after functional assessment session | — |
| Lower limb fatigue and perceived exertion (Borg scale) | During and immediately after functional assessment session | 0-10 points. 0: no perceived effort 10: maximum perceived effort |
| Maximal inspiratory pressures (Pimax) | During and immediately after functional assessment session | — |
| Distance covered in the 6-Minute Walk Test (meters) | During and immediately after functional assessment session | — |
| Quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer | During and immediately after functional assessment session | — |
| Maximal expiratory pressures (Pemax) | During and immediately after functional assessment session | — |
| Quality of life (BR23) | During and immediately after functional assessment session | — |
| Pulmonary function (FEV1/FEV6 ratio using Vitalograph® COPD-6) | During and immediately after functional assessment session | — |
Countries
Spain
Contacts
Primary ContactMª Dolores MD Apolo-Arenas, PhD
Outcome results
None listed