Pré-habilitação no Cancro Gástrico: Impacto da Intervenção Domiciliária na Qualidade de Vida e Aptidão Física

Abstract

Introduction: Gastric cancer is one of the deadliest neoplasms globally, with a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Although the benefits of physical exercise in oncology are well documented, there is a lack of studies focused on interventions during the treatment of this type of cancer. Hypotheses and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the impact of two models of home prehabilitation (with aerobic, resistance and inspiratory muscle training) vs. unstructured (free aerobic exercise) on the evolution of QoL and physical function in patients undergoing perioperative chemotherapy with FLOT regimen and gastrectomy. It was hypothesized that the structured model would provide greater clinical and functional benefits, greater adherence and better gains in physical fitness. Methods: Clinical study, within the scope of the PROTECT project, with 82 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction, distributed in three groups: SFF (no intervention), P1 (unstructured exercise) and P2 (structured program). The evaluations took place in three moments (AV1, AV2 and AV3), using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and functional tests. Adherence was categorized as <60% or ≥60%, and statistical analysis used non-parametric tests and linear regressions (p<0.05). Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between groups. However, participants in the P2 group with ≥60% adherence showed clinically relevant improvements in physical, role, and global health, as well as improved functional performance. The P1 group had inconsistent results and the SFF group remained stable. Conclusion: Structured prehabilitation therapy, especially when associated with high adherence, was potentially beneficial in maintaining or improving QoL during gastric cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of individualized strategies and interdisciplinary follow-up.