Physical Activity And Fitness Relationship With Quality Of Life And Mental-health In Breast Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: Increasing physical activity and fitness levels represents a promising strategy to alleviate symptoms in breast cancer (BC) patients. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the cross-sectional associations between physical fitness, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time (ST) with quality of life (QOL), fatigue, anxiety, and depression in newly diagnosed BC patients. METHODS: BC patients (n = 44) completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire 30-item version (QLQ-C30), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured through a cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO2peak). Lower and upper limb strength were obtained through the mid-thigh pull and handgrip test, respectively. MVPA and ST levels were measured by actigraphy. Linear regression models adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI) were used. RESULTS: Regardless of age and BMI, VO2peak was associated with functional well-being (β = 0.351; p = 0.050) and overall score of FACIT-F (β = 1.931; p = 0.010); further, VO2peak was related to global (β = 1.946; p = 0.004) and cognitive health (β = 1.763; p = 0.026), as measured by the QLQ-C30. Handgrip was associated with social (β = 0.362; p = 0.002), emotional (β = 0.433; p < 0.001), and functional (β = 0.443; p < 0.001) well-being, as well as overall score of FACIT-F (β = 2.009; p < 0.001); while considering QLQ-C30 components, dominant handgrip was linked to global health (β = 1.540; p < 0.001), physical (β = 1.013; p = 0.006), emotional (β = 1.408; p = 0.020), and cognitive function (β = 1.412; p = 0.007); furthermore, upper limb strength showed a negative association with anxiety (β = -0.272; p = 0.023). Lower limb strength was related to global health (β = 0.043; p = 0.016). No associations were found between MVPA and sedentary time with QOL, fatigue, or mental health outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For clinical practice and health care professionals, handgrip stands out as a viable tool to screen QOL, fatigue, and anxiety in women recently diagnosed with BC. Likewise, CRF was associated with functional well-being, overall fatigue score, and global and cognitive health reinforcing its value as a clinical vital sign. Supported by: Inês Ramos Correia was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, the Portuguese Ministry of Science (IRC: SFRH/BD/149394/2019).