Work Ability, Physical Activity Level, and Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors in Chile: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Accelerometry.

Cinara Sacomori, Fernanda Ortiz, Paulina Araya, Jaime Leppe
Purpose:

To analyze the correlation between work ability, physical activity, and fatigue levels in breast cancer survivors who returned to work after cancer treatment.

Methods:

This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited through announcements on various social media platforms and oncology-related organizations. Women diagnosed with breast cancer who were within the first year of return to work after their treatments were included. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess work ability (Work Ability Index) and cancer-related fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory). Physical activity was measured using accelerometry. Participants wore an accelerometer for 5 to 7 days. A Spearman Correlation was used to determine the correlation between outcome variables.

Results:

Thirty participants with a mean age of 45 (SD=7.4) years were evaluated. Seventy-seven percent (n=23) had moderate to poor work ability, and 43% (n=13) had severe CRF. The weekly average of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was 224.5 (SD=130) minutes/week. Additionally, 20 out of 30 participants met WHO recommendations (150 minutes of MVPA per week). A significant negative moderate correlation was found between work ability and CRF levels (rho=-0.528; p=0.003). However, no correlation was found between weekly MVPA and work ability (rho=0.005; p=0.98) or between weekly MVPA and CRF levels (rho=0.023; p=0.90).

Conclusion(s):

This study reported a high prevalence of severe CRF in women who returned to work after cancer treatments, which was associated with moderate to poor work ability. Although a high level of physical activity was observed among participants, no relationship was found between this and the other variables. Based on the results, it is recommended to assess CRF progression during BC treatments to identify individuals who may face difficulties with work reintegration and provide support during this challenging process.

Implications:

Given the results of this study, it is necessary to include serial CRF assessments and occupational evaluations prior to medical discharge for breast cancer survivors, to identify individuals who require multimodal rehabilitation in a continuous supportive cancer care model. This could improve the work reintegration process and prevent early retirement or prolonged sick leave.

Funding acknowledgements:
This work was unfunded.
Keywords:
Breast Cancer
Work Ability
Physical Activity
Primary topic:
Oncology, HIV and palliative care
Second topic:
Occupational health and ergonomics
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile (Date 6/11/2023 / No. 2023-80).
Provide the ethics approval number:
No. 2023-80
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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