Abstract
Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) often do not exercise at recommended levels. Estimates are that only 21% exercise at recommended levels 10 years after treatment. Interventional exercise programs examining exercise maintenance have found 49% to 58% maintain exercise at 6 months, and less then 50% of BCS can be expected to maintain exercise levels at 1 year or longer. Our previous studies have shown improvement in physical and psychosocial function with a 14-week training program. The 14- week triathlon training was comprised of two supervised group sessions and three home-based sessions per week. The training program culminated with participation in a sprint distance triathlon (0.25-0.5 mi swim, 12-15 mi bike, 3.1 mi run). PURPOSE: To determine if BCS who participate in a triathlon training program maintain high exercise levels after training. METHODS: Female BCS (n=156) were asked to complete a mailed survey about their leisure time activity 1-6 years after completing a triathlon training program. A Leisure Score Index (LSI) was derived from the Godin Leisure-Time Activity Questionnaire in the survey. Those completing the survey who reported the highest and lowest LSI scores were invited to participate in testing which included weight, BMI, body fat and circumference measurements as well as a 6-minute walk test and the FACIT-fatigue scale. RESULTS: Eighty (75%) reported LSI of 24 or greater. A subset of BCS with high (H) scores (n=6) and low (L) scores (n=5) were tested. No significant group differences (p>.05) were noted in age (H=62.3(5.1), L=56.6(5.7)yrs), time since training (H=3.2(1.7), L=3.2(1.3) yrs), and 6MWT (H=593.2(60.6), L=553.4(29.6) min p>0.1). Group differences were found in hip circumferences (H=96.2(6.9) L=116(11.5) cm, p<.01), waist circumferences (H=79.8(11.2) L=97.5(9.1) cm, p<.05), weight (H= 61.0(9.9) L=86.2(12.9)kg, p<.01), BMI (H=23.2(3.2), L=39.2(13.7) p<.05), body fat % (H=36.7(2.4) L=46.8(5.1), p<.01) and fatigue (H=49.3(2.1), L=34.8 (14.8) p<.05). Data are mean (sd). CONCLUSIONS: Structured training for BCS can lead to higher levels of activity maintenance at 1-6 years after training. Thus, triathlon training could lead to continued exercise, less fatigue, and better health in breast cancer survivors.
Published Version
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