Exercise training improves mean arterial pressure in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Currently, many breast cancer survivors worldwide live with treatment-related side effects, including cardiovascular health problems. This study examined effects of a 5-month exercise intervention on non-invasive markers of cardiovascular health in breast cancer survivors. Relationships between these markers and commonly used markers of overall health were also explored. Fifty-two survivors completed the exercise training at a rehabilitation center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill between 2008-2011. A combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention (3 times/week for 1h) at intensities progressing from low (40%) to moderate (65-70% of VO2max) for aerobic and 8-12 repetitions max for the resistance exercise were implemented. Significant reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) was observed from baseline to final assessment. A significant correlation was found between MAP and Body Mass Index (BMI). In conclusion, 5-months combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention positively improved MAP which was, in part, attributed to changes in BMI.

Exercise after breast cancer treatment: current perspectives

“…Researchers have manipulated the implementation of AE and RE by using a combined exercise program in BCS, composed of both AE and RE modes. 27 – 29 Combined exercise programs, ranging in duration from 3 to 8 months, can improve cardiopulmonary fitness, muscular strength, and balance. 27 , 29 – 30 Specifically, BCS participating in 5–6 months of combined exercise training have experienced greater decreases in central adiposity and waist-to-hip ratio, percent body fat, resting diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and increases in fat-free mass and estimated VO 2max , when compared to a sedentary control group.…”

“… 27 – 29 Combined exercise programs, ranging in duration from 3 to 8 months, can improve cardiopulmonary fitness, muscular strength, and balance. 27 , 29 – 30 Specifically, BCS participating in 5–6 months of combined exercise training have experienced greater decreases in central adiposity and waist-to-hip ratio, percent body fat, resting diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and increases in fat-free mass and estimated VO 2max , when compared to a sedentary control group. 17 , 29 Thus, studies including combined exercise programs pose numerous benefits for BCS, which may outweigh participation in only one mode of exercise.…”

“… 27 , 29 – 30 Specifically, BCS participating in 5–6 months of combined exercise training have experienced greater decreases in central adiposity and waist-to-hip ratio, percent body fat, resting diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and increases in fat-free mass and estimated VO 2max , when compared to a sedentary control group. 17 , 29 Thus, studies including combined exercise programs pose numerous benefits for BCS, which may outweigh participation in only one mode of exercise. The improvements in cardiopulmonary fitness and muscular strength derived from a combined exercise program may be vital toward maximizing improvements in physical well-being and overall survivorship among BCS.…”

Efeito de um Programa de Exercício Físico na Pressão Arterial Aguda e Crônica em Sobreviventes de Câncer de Mama

“…Há um corpo de evidências expressivo apresentando alterações agudas e crônicas da pressão arterial (PA) com a prática de exercício físico, principalmente em idosos e hipertensos 9,10 . Todavia, os estudos de intervenção com sobreviventes de câncer de mama, tendo como desfecho alterações na PA, são escassos e apresentam limitações metodológicas, destacadamente no que se refere ao reportarem os componentes da prescrição (frequência, intensidade, tempo e tipo -FITT) e aderência ao protocolo [11][12][13] .…”