Pain mapping and characteristics in breast cancer survivors during task-oriented training: analysis at 3, 6, and 9 months

Impact of Virtual Reality on Pain, ROM, Muscle Strength and Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients: An Integrative Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally, with significant impacts on physical, emotional, and functional well-being. Traditional rehabilitation methods may not fully address the multifaceted challenges faced by breast cancer survivors (BCSs), prompting exploration into innovative approaches such as Virtual Reality (VR) technology.

OBJECTIVE

The present review aims to assess the effectiveness of VR in alleviating pain, improving Range of Motion (ROM), enhancing muscle strength, and augmenting the overall quality of life in patients undergoing breast cancer rehabilitation.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on studies investigating the use of VR in breast cancer rehabilitation. PubMed, Scopus, PEDro and Google scholar were searched for articles addressing VR interventions targeting pain management, ROM improvement, muscle strength enhancement, and quality of life enhancement in breast cancer patients.

RESULTS

Findings yielded total 12 articles matching the selection criteria. VR technology has shown promising results in addressing the multifaceted needs of breast cancer patients. VR also serves as a distraction tool, positively impacting psychological well-being and mitigating negative psychological symptoms associated with the disease.

CONCLUSION

VR represents a non-pharmacological approach to pain management and rehabilitation in breast cancer patients. Its ability to engage emotional, cognitive, and attention processes contributes to its effectiveness in enhancing overall quality of life. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term benefits and optimal utilization of VR technology in breast cancer rehabilitation programs.

APPLICATION OF SPORTS BIOMECHANICS IN THE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF TAEKWONDO KICKING

ABSTRACT Introduction: With the gradual improvement of the theoretical system of sports biomechanics and the high requirements of Taekwondo development, the scientific research of Taekwondo is no longer restricted to a monothematic perspective; sports biomechanics is a combination of the complex forms of movement and body changes in the sport, a discipline that combines the principles of mechanics and biology for research. This discipline, allied to the study of sport, contributes to the correct understanding, training, and mastery of movement techniques. Objective: Apply a technical analysis of the taekwondo kick through a sports biomechanics approach. Methods: Using a three-dimensional kinematic motion capture system, volunteers of 58kg, 68kg, 80kg, and three other weight classes, in a total of 30 athletes, participated in this research. The movements included technical kicks and the collection of motion trajectories when hitting the target. Results: There were significant differences in the angle, angular velocity, torque, action time, displacement, and velocity of the lower limb joints of the three weight classes (P<0.05). Conclusion: The higher the athlete’s weight, the lower the body agility; although the striking distance is relatively long, the impact on movement speed is relatively minor. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.