Effects of concurrent aerobic and strength training on breast cancer survivors: a pilot study. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Luca, V.; Minganti, C.; Borrione, P.; Grazioli, E.; Cerulli, C.; Guerra, E.; Bonifacino, A.; Parisi, A.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 136(2016)
• Page Start: 126
• Page End: 132
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Breast cancer -- Physical activity -- Concurrent training -- Quality of life; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.03.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a combined aerobic and strength program on physiological and psychological parameters in female breast cancer survivors. Study design: Randomised controlled trial. Methods: 20 patients (age: 45.6 ± 2.7 yrs) surgically treated for breast cancer that had completed all cancer therapies at least 6 months before and with no contraindications to physical activity, were recruited and randomly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 10) and a control group ( n = 10). Intervention group patients attend to a 24-week combined aerobic and strength training program. Physiological (i.e. V O2max, bioelectrical impedance test, maximal strength of principal muscular groups) and psychological (i.e. functional assessment of chronic illness therapy–fatigue: FACIT–F) parameters were assessed at baseline and after 24 weeks. Results: After 24 weeks the intervention group showed significant improvement in V O2max (38.8%), strength of upper and lower limbs (ranging from 13 to 60%) and decrease in fat mass percentage (−6.3%). The FACIT-F showed significant increase in all of the three scores that can be derived (FACIT-F Trial outcome: 13%; FACT-G total score: 18%; FACIT-F total score: 15%) showing patient's quality of life (QOL) improvement. No significant change in all the parameters was found for the control group. Conclusion: These results show the positive effects of a combined aerobic and strength training program on breast cancer survivors and underline the importance of the early inclusion of structured physical activity in the rehabilitation protocol. Highlights: Effects of a combined aerobic and strength program on physiological and psychological parameters in breast cancer survivors. Patients attend to a 24-weeks combined aerobic and strength training program. The intervention group showed significant improvement in VO2max, strength o and decrease in fat mass percentage. The FACIT-F showed significant increase showing a patients' quality of life (QOL) improvement. Results show the positive effects of a combined aerobic and strength training program on breast cancer survivors.