The aim of this research is to study the influence of stochastic modulated vibrations on the autonomic nervous system of breast cancer patients during radiation therapy
Since it is well known that breast cancer patients experience an important load of stress from diagnosis through treatment and throughout cancer survivorship (fear of cancer recurrence), this study focusses on activation the parasympathetic nervous system and making patients as comfortable as possible during treatment. The scope of this study is based on previous research, that has shown that controlling physical and psychological complications during treatment may have a positive (preventive) effect on late term and long-term quality of life and survival outcomes. Breast cancer patients will receive andullation during their irradiation period. The primary outcome measure of the autonomic nervous system is vagal nerve activity, a modulator of the parasympathetic nervous system. Secondary outcome measures are stress, pain and lymphedema.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
130
Andullation is a horizontal vibration technique with stochastically modulated vibrations, build-in in a mattress.
Placebo Andullation
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
Jette, Brussels Capital, Belgium
RECRUITINGchange in Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
a marker of the activity of your autonomic nervous system.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
change in Distress Thermometer
A questionnaire to evaluate in what extent you experience complaints like distress and anxiety, on a visual thermometer. By encircling the number most applicable for your situation, we can estimate how you are feeling at the moment. The scale ranges from 0-10 where 0 indicates a better and 10 indicates a worse outcome.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
change in Brief Pain Inventory
This questionnaire was designed to investigate the extent of pain you experience as well as to examine the influence of it on your quality of life. The BPI includes four ratings of pain intensity (items 3-7), and seven other ratings on the impact of pain. Intensity is recorded on numerical scales from zero (no pain) to ten (pain as bad as you can imagine). Also, intensity is rated at the time of completing the questionnaires (pain now) as well as its worst, least, and average over the past day or week.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
change in Numeric Pain Rating Scale
An 11-point scale for patient self-reporting of pain. The scale ranges from 0-10 where 0 indicates a better and 10 indicates a worse outcome.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
change in Perometer results
A device measuring your arm circumferences with the use of infrared light. It is an efficient, safe, painless and reliable method to examine your arm circumferences.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
change in Bioimpedance spectroscopy
By using bioimpedance, we will estimate your body fat, water and muscle content. You will stand on scale and hold on to a handgrip that is connected with the scale. A small current will determine your body composition. This is a painless and innocuous examination.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
change in European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-item core quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C-30)
A questionnaire designed to investigate the quality of life in cancer patients. The questionnaire assesses some domains of your quality of life that can possibly be influenced by your disease. The questionnaire consists of 3 different scales: Global Health Status (GHS), Functional Scale (FS) and Symptom Scale (SS). The answers of the FS and SS are scored on a Likert scale where lower scores indicate better outcomes.The GHS differs from the other scales by scoring on a 7-point Likert scale where lower scores display worse outcomes.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
change in European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 23-item quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ BR23)
A questionnaire designed to investigate the quality of life in breast cancer patients. The questionnaire assesses some domains of your quality of life that can possibly be influenced by your disease. It consists of 23 questions to determine body image, sexual functioning, sexual enjoyment, future perspective, systemic therapy side effects, breast symptoms, arm symptoms and upset by hair loss assessed on a 4 point Likert scale where lower scores indicate better outcomes.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
A questionnaire that assesses your sleep quality, your sleep quantity and your sleep disturbance. The scale ranges from 0-21 where lower scores indicate better outcomes
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks
change in Insomnia Severity Index
A questionnaire that assesses the severity, the nature and the impact of your insomnia over the past 2 - 4 weeks. The scale ranges from 0-28 where lower scores indicate better outcomes.
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 6 weeks