Effects of muscle energy technique for quadratus lumborum on respiratory muscle strength in patients with breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, leading to functional deficiencies in ventilation, muscle performance, balance and posture.Objective: To describe the effects of the muscle energy technique (MET) for quadratus lumborum on maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) in patients with stage I and II breast cancer.Materials and methods: Quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design conducted in 10 patients treated at a highly specialized healthcare center in Bogotá. Physical therapy assessment and three physiotherapy sessions with the MET to measure MIP and MEP were carried out before and after the intervention using a respiratory pressure meter.Results: The average MIP was 41% of the reference value at the beginning of the intervention, which increased to 69% at the end of the sessions. On the other hand, the initial average MEP was 33%, while the post-intervention average MEP was 51%. The average change rate for MIP was 68% and 57% for MEP. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed, achieving a statistically significant difference (z=-2.807, p=0.005).Conclusion: Applying the MET on the quadratus lumborum muscle improves its performance and increases respiratory muscle strength.

Respiratory Physiotherapy Intervention Strategies in the Sequelae of Breast Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review

“…In reference to the stage of the cancer, according to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system: “stage” I [ 48 , 53 ] and II [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 52 , 53 ] were used. Only one article specified tumor size [ 52 ]: 2.5 ± 1.6 (0.1–9) cm 3 .…”

“…Interventions used in the control groups included aerobic exercise [ 48 ], nursing care [ 46 , 54 ], or “no training” or rapid shallow breathing exercises [ 53 ].…”

“…The variables studied were inconsistent except for spirometric data [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 52 ]. Parameters related to respiratory alterations such as fatigue [ 49 , 50 ], effort tolerance [ 49 , 50 ], aerobic capacity [ 50 ], dyspnea [ 50 ], quality of life [ 50 ], and thoracic mobility [ 47 ] were evaluated.…”

“…Regarding the measurement instruments, there is little homogeneity. Spirometric data [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 52 ] such as FEV1, FVC, and VVM were used to assess lung function; PIM and PEM to assess respiratory muscle strength [ 48 ]; Borg scale [ 49 ] and FACIT-F [ 49 , 50 ] to measure fatigue; 6 MWT to assess exercise tolerance [ 49 , 50 ]; MRC, BDI, and TDI to measure dyspnea [ 50 ]; TUG to assess lower limb mobility and risk of falls [ 50 ]; SF-36 [ 50 ], QOL37 [ 50 ], and MCGill quality of life questionnaire [ 55 ], RSCL [ 54 ] to measure quality of life; VAS to measure pain [ 47 ], STAI to assess anxiety [ 54 ], and PANAS and HFRDIS to assess hot flushes [ 53 ].…”

The relationship between lymphedema, posture, respiratory functions, exercise capacity, and the quality of life after breast cancer treatment

“…Patients who have clinically stable breast cancer and remote from treatment interventions, possible contributors to decreased respiratory function and exercise intolerance with the results of the underlying condition, the side effects of treatments (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy), and deconditioning effects due to decreased physical activity. Some researches have stated the significance of deconditioning and decreased functional capacity in breast cancer survivors, although the part of pulmonary deficiency especially respiratory muscle strength remains unknown [8,9].…”