Pré-habilitação em doentes oncológicos com adenocarcinoma gástrico: relatório de estágio

Abstract

This report describes the internship carried out at the Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, as part of the FORTALECER EM CASA/PROTECT research project, focused on the implementation of a surgical prehabilitation program for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of physical exercise on patients undergoing perioperative chemotherapy and surgery. The paper discusses the importance of prehabilitation, the epidemiology of gastric cancer and the oncological treatments applied, presenting the data obtained and the effects of exercise on patients' health. Objectives: The objectives of this internship included developing skills to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team, understanding the roles and contributions of each professional. The aim was to improve empathetic communication with patients and colleagues, use the knowledge acquired about the benefits of physical exercise in oncology, and base professional practice on scientific evidence. In addition, the internship aimed to conduct physical assessments, propose personalized interventions, interpret clinical data for more effective decisions and make patients aware of the benefits of physical exercise, improving their quality of life. Methodology: The internship was carried out as part of the FORTALECER EM CASA/PROTECT study at IPO-Porto, focusing on the implementation of a surgical prehabilitation program for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. The project compared two exercise protocols - one structured (Protocol 2) and one unstructured (Protocol 1) - assessing the impact on reducing post-operative complications. The trial included home exercise, health care, psychological support and nutritional monitoring. Results: Physical exercise has been shown to be a beneficial intervention for cancer patients, improving physical functioning, psychological well-being and quality of life, as well as reducing side effects such as fatigue and muscle weakness. This study analysed the impact of a structured prehabilitation program on patients with gastric adenocarcinoma undergoing chemotherapy and surgery. The results indicated that surgical preparation was successful, with the exercise program playing a significant role in improving the patients' general condition. Conclusion: This study allowed me to understand the importance of a multidisciplinary team and the effectiveness of exercise xi programs for cancer patients. It has allowed me to develop essential skills, such as communication and empathy, and to be better prepared to deal with patients with different comorbidities. The objectives were fully achieved, strengthening my ability to work in exercise physiology applied to oncology. The implementation of exercise programs, combined with nutritional care and psychological support, proved to be fundamental in improving patients' quality of life, highlighting the importance of ongoing research in the area.