Quantity of Resistance Exercise for Breast Cancer Patients: Does the Dose Match the Objective?

Abstract

Rosenberg, J, Hyde, PN, Yancy, WS, Ford, KM, and Champ, CE. Quantity of resistance exercise for breast cancer patients: does the dose match the objective? J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1467–1476, 2021—There is currently a lack of consensus as to what defines exercise and resistance training in the cancer setting and whether current studies comply with exercise guidelines. This study aimed to quantify the available research studies using resistance training exercise interventions in the breast cancer setting for future clinical trial utilization. We systemically reviewed all available resistance exercise studies during and after breast cancer treatment in an attempt to quantify to the prescribed dose and whether regimens aligned with general exercise guidelines to improve functional mobility, body composition, and metabolic function. They were then compared with recommendations set forth by the national committees that create evidence-based exercise guidelines. Fifty studies met the initial criteria, with 35 meeting analysis criteria for evaluation. Fifteen studies evaluated an exercise regimen during cancer treatment, and 20 evaluated a regimen after treatment. The average adherence rates were 84% for all studies. Only 23 studies listed specific exercises used within the protocol. Most exercise regimens relied on open chain movements and machine exercises. Around half of studies met criteria to achieve hypertrophy, and 66% met American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for cancer patients. A minority of breast cancer studies implementing a resistance training exercise regimen prescribed a regimen or specific dose that follows general exercise guidelines. This study highlights a potential deficiency in exercise programs designed for patients with breast cancer, and these findings should be considered in future study design.

Physical and autonomic functionality in women with breast cancer pre and post chemotherapy: a case control study

“…In a systematic review [ 36 ], the authors stated that the 6MWT total distance and VO 2 max can be improved with aerobic training, either continuous or intermittent, with a greater gain in the continuous modality. Additionally, individualized resistance training may improve these parameters when associated with aerobic training, based on the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) [ 18 , 37 , 38 ].…”

EXERT-BC: Prospective Study of an Exercise Regimen After Treatment for Breast Cancer

“…Several similar regimens appear within the breast cancer exercise oncology literature utilizing low loads. [41] In EXERT-BC, we aimed to stress the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems with linear progression to elicit the maximum potential neuroadaptation and increase in strength utilizing a regimen that has shown benefits in noncancer patients. Additionally, the present regimen was 11 This article is protected by copyright.…”

EXERT‐BC: A pilot study of an exercise regimen designed to improve functional mobility, body composition, and strength after the treatment for breast cancer

“…Accordingly, oncologic exercise programs should seek to optimize body composition parameters. Many exercise oncology interventions for BC survivors have prioritized cardiovascular and aerobic exercise over traditional resistance training 8 . Advantages of an aerobic exercise program may include decreased requirements for resources and supervision.…”

“…Many exercise oncology interventions for BC survivors have prioritized cardiovascular and aerobic exercise over traditional resistance training. 8 Advantages of an aerobic exercise program may include decreased requirements for resources and supervision. However, a meta-analysis among non-oncologic populations suggests that aerobic exercise results in limited fat loss in the absence of other lifestyle changes, 9 and may be accompanied by corresponding losses in muscle tissue.…”