Effects of Scheduled Exercise on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Women with Early Breast Cancer

Anne Marie Lunde Husebø,Jon Arne Søreide,Ingvil Mjaaland,Sindre Mikal Dyrstad,Edvin Bru

doi:10.1155/2014/271828

Anne Marie Lunde Husebø, Jon Arne Søreide + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/271828

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Abstract

While physical activity during cancer treatment is found beneficial for breast cancer patients, evidence indicates ambiguous findings concerning effects of scheduled exercise programs on treatment-related symptoms. This study investigated effects of a scheduled home-based exercise intervention in breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy, on cancer-related fatigue, physical fitness, and activity level. Sixty-seven women were randomized to an exercise intervention group (n = 33, performed strength training 3x/week and 30 minutes brisk walking/day) and a control group (n = 34, performed their regular physical activity level). Data collection was performed at baseline, at completion of chemotherapy (Post1), and 6-month postchemotherapy (Post2). Exercise levels were slightly higher in the scheduled exercise group than in the control group. In both groups, cancer-related fatigue increased at Post1 but returned to baseline at Post2. Physical fitness and activity levels decreased at Post1 but were significantly improved at Post2. Significant differences between intervention and control groups were not found. The findings suggest that generally recommended physical activity levels are enough to relief cancer-related fatigue and restore physical capacity in breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy, although one cannot rule out that results reflect diminishing treatment side effects over time.

Highlights

Physical activity guidelines recommend healthy individuals to perform 150 minutes⋅wk1 of at least moderateintensity physical activity (MVPA), in order to obtain healthpromoting effects [1]
A study of 1,696 breast cancer survivors found a decrease in metabolic equivalent of task (MET) hours per week by a mean of −9.40 (27.94), corresponding to 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 4.7 days per week [5]
We hypothesized that the scheduled exercise intervention program would significantly reduce cancer related fatigue and increase physical fitness and physical activity levels compared to general recommendations of physical activity and that these changes would be significantly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group

Summary

Introduction

Physical activity guidelines recommend healthy individuals to perform 150 minutes⋅wk of at least moderateintensity physical activity (MVPA), in order to obtain healthpromoting effects [1]. Breast cancer survivors are advised to avoid inactivity and to follow the same age-appropriate guidelines as healthy individuals [2]. The effects of exercise on treatment-related issues in cancer patients may fade rapidly if not maintained or if the exercise is not sufficient enough [3]. As shown by others, many cancer patients reduce their physical activity after the diagnosis, or they exercise less than recommended [4]. A study of 1,696 breast cancer survivors found a decrease in metabolic equivalent of task (MET) hours per week by a mean of −9.40 (27.94), corresponding to 30 minutes of MVPA 4.7 days per week [5]

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