Comparison Of Aerobic To Resistance Exercise In Older Breast Cancer Survivors: Preliminary Findings From A One-year RCT

Abstract

Exercise may be particularly important for older breast cancer survivors (BCS) because of the combined impact of treatment plus aging on their physical health; however, studies specific to older BCS are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the relative benefits of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise on physical functioning and body size in inactive, older (aged 65+) BCS who had completed primary treatment. METHODS: Early-stage, older BCS (mean age: 73 yrs) who were at least 2 years past radiation and/or chemotherapy were randomized to one year of strength training (STR), aerobic training (AER) or a control program of flexibility training (FLEX). Data from BCS who completed baseline, 6 and 12 month testing were used for preliminary analysis (STR: n=30, AER: n=29; FLEX: n=25). Primary outcomes were lower and upper body strength measured by 1-RM leg press (LPmax) and bench press (BPmax); time to rise from a chair 5 times (Chair); time to walk 4m at an usual pace (UW; m/s); distance walked in 6 min (6MW); and body weight. Separate 3 × 3 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine significant main effects of time and group × time interactions for each primary outcome. RESULTS: There were significant main effects for all outcome measures, except for weight, where improvements occurred over time for all groups (Table 1). There were no significant group x time interactions for any measure. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that one year of exercise training, independent of exercise mode, may improve physical function in older BCS. However, it remains possible that observed changes simply represent population changes over time or a learning effect on effort-dependent tests. Supported by NIH grant R01 CA120123Table 1: Percent improvement in physical function and body weight after one year of exercise training in older BCS.