Rowing and canoeing in the rehabilitation of women after breast cancer

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the influence of rowing and canoeing practice on body image perception and pain patterns in women who underwent mastectomy and quadrantectomy in the state of Alagoas. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study conducted with breast cancer survivors who practice rowing and/or canoeing. Pain was assessed using the Multidimensional Pain Assessment Scale (EMADOR), and body image perception was evaluated using the Body Image Scale (BIS). Data were organized into tables and analyzed descriptively, considering pain intensity, descriptors, type of surgery, duration of sports practice, and breast reconstruction. Results: It was found that 70% of participants reported some degree of pain, with a predominance of moderate to severe intensity (54%). Women with higher pain intensity presented a greater number of descriptors, suggesting increased complexity of the condition and possible catastrophizing. Moderate to severe pain was more frequent among women who underwent mastectomy. Regarding BIS, 78% presented scores ≤9, indicating low psychological impact on body image perception, regardless of the analyzed variables. Conclusion: Despite the high frequency of pain, preservation of body image perception was observed in most participants, suggesting that rowing and canoeing practice may contribute to better psychosocial adaptation.