24 | Analytics for physical activity effectiveness aimed at risk factor prevention of sarcopenia in elderly women affected by breast cancer

F. D'Amico¹, R. D'Amico² | ¹Oncology Geriatric Unit Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Cefalù - Department of Clinical Medicine University of Messina; ²Medical Rehabilitation Unit IRCCS Oasi Maria SS Troina, Enna

Introduction. Elderly patients affected by breast cancer show risk of Sarcopenia and fall.

Objectives. Evaluation of physical activity effectiveness aimed at prevention of sarcopenia and frailty in elderly patients affected by breast cancer.

Materials and Methods. 6 elderly patients (mean age 72 + 3) were in group Physical excercise, 6 (mean age 71 + 4) were in Control group. The physical excersise programme was based on moderate aerobic workout (>150 minutes per week) combined with weight training (> 3 volte per week). All patients in both groups were instructed to self training for 6 months and checked through phone interviews scheduled every month. Results were evaluated at T0-T6 using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) regarding physical ability and Dynamometer regarding strength.

Results. Patients in both groups Physical excercise and Control registered the same SPPB mean score 7 (p<0.05) at T0. Muscle mass, bone mineral density, knee extension ability, gait speed were reduced in frail elderly patients affected by breast cancer. At T6 Physical excercise group showed: SPPB mean score 10 (p<0.05) and improved balance-gait rates. At T6 control group showed: SPPB mean score 8 (p<0.05) and improved gait rate. The workout programme based on low intensity series and repetitions progressively increasing in intensity improved muscle strength in elderly frail patients.

Conclusions. Workout in elderly frail patients affected by breast cancer improve lower limbs strength thus reducing the very frequent risk of fall in aging population.