Resistance Exercise Program During Breast Cancer Treatment: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: In the last two decades, physical training has been recognized as an important means of prevention and rehabilitation for patients with breast cancer. In Brazil, physical exercise for patients with breast cancer is a new area of study. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a resistance exercise program for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment and to examine the effects of the resistance exercise program on psychological and physical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a non-randomized controlled trial. Eleven women (55.08 ± 7.8 years) undergoing radiotherapy and hormone therapy for breast cancer were divided into exercise group (n = 6) and control group (n = 5). The feasibility was evaluated by training load performed by each patient compared to the total training load prescription. The resistance exercise program consisted of 12 weeks and 36 sessions (3x per week), and intensity between 50 and 70% of one maximum repetition. Fitness (6-minute walk test), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), mood states (BRUMS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh), and body image (Body Image after Breast Cancer) were investigated before and after resistance exercise program. Data were analyzed by comparison inter and intra groups (p=0.05). Findings: The resistance exercise program implementation was feasible (>80%). There were no adverse events due to the resistance exercise program, and the adherence averaged 83.6% with no dropouts. Twelve weeks of resistance exercise appeared to have positive effects on quality of life, sleep quality, physical fitness, body image, and fatigue in patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. Conclusions: The implementation of a resistance exercise program in a university in the south of Brazil proved to be feasible, tolerable,

Effect of Combined Training on Body Image in Women with Breast Cancer: Controlled Clinical Trial

“…The authors attribute the improvement to the higher physical competence acquired for the performance of motor tasks. Unlike our data, Arab et al [16] did not nd training effects in the other dimensions [23]. It is possible that this difference is associated with the speci city of the intervention given.…”

“…After the intervention, the TG demonstrated a signi cant reduction in the perception of functional limitations of the body, such as movement restrictions and oncologic fatigue. Arab et al [16] in one of the few studies in this scope performed in Brazil, presented similar results, although the protocol applied by them was different, with only resistance training over 12 weeks. The authors attribute the improvement to the higher physical competence acquired for the performance of motor tasks.…”

Effect of Combined Training on Body Image, Body Composition and Functional Capacity in Patients with Breast Cancer: Controlled Clinical Trial

“…strength, 12,13 and BI 15,16 after interventions with physical activity. However, although interventions with combined training (CT), aerobic and resistance training in the same session, are widely used, [17][18][19] the available information is still insipid.…”

“…11 Physical training methods, both strength and aerobic, have been used as safe and well tolerated interventions in cancer patients. [12][13][14] Studies have shown a decrease in body fat, and improvements in cardiopulmonary function,…”

“…Physical training methods, both strength and aerobic, have been used as safe and well tolerated interventions in cancer patients. 12 13 14 Studies have shown a decrease in body fat, and improvements in cardiopulmonary function, strength, 12 13 and BI 15 16 after interventions with physical activity. However, although interventions with combined training (CT), aerobic and resistance training in the same session, are widely used, 17 18 19 the available information is still insipid.…”