Evaluating the Addition of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Exercise for Muscle and Joint Pain Relief in Elderly Female Breast Cancer Survivors Taking Aromatase Inhibitors

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates the effects of adding hyperbaric oxygen therapy to a programmed physical activity regimen on musculoskeletal pain in elderly female breast cancer survivors who are taking aromatase inhibitors. These inhibitors, commonly prescribed for breast cancer survivors, often cause muscle and joint pain. The study aims to explore whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve these symptoms alongside physical exercise. Participants are divided into two groups. Both groups follow a physical activity program consisting of aerobic treadmill training and strengthening exercises three times a week for two months. One group also receives additional hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions lasting one hour, five times a week for two months. This comparison helps evaluate the added effect of hyperbaric therapy on pain relief. During the study, participants undergo assessments after two months using various measures of pain severity, interference, stiffness, function, and fatigue. Tools include the visual analogue scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, fatigue severity scale, and Short Physical Performance Battery. The study monitors these outcomes to assess changes in pain and physical function over the treatment period.

Addtional Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen to Programmed Physical Activity on Musckoloskeletal Pain in Breast Cancer Elderly