Abstract
SummaryBackgroundPurpose of this retrospective data analysis was to depict the effects of a structured off-season conditioning program with breast cancer survivors competing in dragon boat paddling.MethodsIn this study 10 breast cancer survivors (mean age 52.0 ± 5.4 years) who had finished the primary cancer treatment and who were paddlers of the Vienna Pink Dragon self-help group underwent a structured 10-week exercise program as part of their routine supportive treatment. Upper extremity strength, endurance capacity, shoulder flexibility, quality of life and work ability were assessed at baseline and after completion of the exercise program.ResultsOut of 10 patients 8 completed more than 80% of the exercise sessions. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) of the pooled exercise effects showed a very large effect size (Η2 = 0.982); however, the change from baseline to follow-up was non-significant (p = 0.363). In the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) the exercise program led to a significant improvement of body image (p = 0.02) and less arm symptoms in the affected arm (p = 0.04).ConclusionA structured and well-planned exercise intervention program can have a large effect on the physical performance of pretrained breast cancer survivors. Moreover, it can increase the body image and decrease the arm symptoms in this population.
Highlights
In the early years of research on the effects of exercise in breast cancer survivors (BCS), the first resistance exercise stimulus which was investigated was dragon boat paddling [1]
It was feared that vigorous and repetitive loading of the upper extremities could negatively affect the status of an existing breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) or could provoke the development of a BCRL in the affected arm [2]
Today it is known that this fear was unsubstantiated and strengthening physical activity is not just not harmful but is beneficial in the management of BCRL in BCS [3,4,5]
Summary
In the early years of research on the effects of exercise in breast cancer survivors (BCS), the first resistance exercise stimulus which was investigated was dragon boat paddling [1]. Dragon boat paddling has become the signature sport for BCS and is undertaken by self-help exercise groups—the socalled Pink Dragons—all over the world [6] One of those exercise groups, the Vienna Pink Dragons, was founded in 2015 and is under the auspices of the Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. In this context, the members of the Pink Dragons Vienna were invited to take part in an offseason conditioning program from December 2018 to March 2019. The aim of this uncontrolled clinical trial was to report the pre-post results regarding aerobic capacity, upper extremity strength and mobility, quality of life, and work ability
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
