A post-treatment individualized prescriptive exercise and recreation therapy intervention for breast cancer patients

Abstract

19637 Background: The number of breast cancer survivors is increasing due to early detection and advancements in treatment leading to increased concern with long term side effects and quality of life after therapy for early stage breast cancer. The Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program addresses the physiological and psychological declines experienced by breast cancer survivors post-treatment through combined exercise (EX) and recreation therapy (RT) to strengthen the body and mind of survivors and improve overall QOL. Methods: Women with early stage breast cancer within 6 months from completion of initial therapy were recruited to participate in a combined EX and RT intervention. The EX consisted of cardiovascular endurance (VO2 Max), muscular endurance (ME) and flexibility (FL) training. The RT included activities such as leisure counseling, bio-feedback, heart-math, crafts, and a ropes course. Each participant engaged in an individually prescribed intervention for 8 weeks, 3 times per week, for approximately 1.5 hour per therapy session. A battery of fitness and psychological assessments including, VO2 Max, body composition (BC), ME, FL, fatigue (F), depression (D), QOL were used to assess baseline parameters and outcomes. Descriptive statistics presenting the results of baseline and final assessments were used to evaluate program outcomes. Results: Fifteen subjects, age 30 to 75, volunteered for the program. At initial analysis, clinically relevant changes in physiological and psychological parameters were observed. Improvements in VO2 Max, BC, and ME were observed for all subjects. Positive changes in psychological parameters were also observed in all of subjects including decreased F and D accompanied by increased QOL. Conclusions: The results of this pilot program are promising and suggest that further evaluation of this novel combination of EX and RT to improve physical and emotional functioning, and overall QOL after breast cancer treatment are warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.