Abstract
Introduction
This study compared the relative efficacy of aerobic training to resistance training
on physical functioning in older breast cancer survivors and determined whether benefits
could be maintained by transitioning to unsupervised home-based training.
Materials and methods
Early-stage, post-treatment, older (≥65 years) breast cancer survivors (n = 114; mean age 72 years) were randomized to 12 months of supervised aerobic (n = 37), resistance (n = 39) or stretching (active control; n = 38) training followed by 6 months of unsupervised home-based training. Outcomes
included aerobic capacity by 6-min walk distance (6MWD; m), maximal upper and lower
body strength (1-repetition maximum; kg); physical function by short physical performance
battery (SPPB), SF-36 and Late Life Function and Disability Instruments.
Results
Over 12-months of supervised exercise, all groups improved in muscle strength and
SPPB scores, but resistance trained women also improved 6MWD. Improvements in upper
and lower body strength in the resistance group were significantly greater than those
in the stretching control (+2.5 kg vs. +1.8 kg; p = 0.05) and aerobic groups (+8.3 kg vs +2.7 kg; p = 0.047), respectively, with trends for greater improvements in 6MWD (+57.9 m vs.
+22.5 m; p = 0.057) and self-report physical function (+4.8 vs. -4.4; 0.066) in resistance trained
women versus controls. Compared to values at 12 months, there were no changes during
unsupervised training in any measure within or between groups, except for self-reported
advanced lower extremity function which improved in the resistance group and fell
in the aerobic group (+1.3 vs. -3.1; p = 0.043).
Discussion
Supervised exercise can improve strength and physical functioning among older breast
cancer survivors. Resistance training may lead to better improvements compared to
aerobic or flexibility training, whether in a supervised or unsupervised setting.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 20, 2021
Accepted:
August 4,
2021
Received in revised form:
August 3,
2021
Received:
January 23,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
