Abstract
The aim of this longitudinal study was to determine whether a rowing training program improved the quality of life and the physical activity levels in female breast cancer survivors (n = 28) (stage 1–4.54%; stage 2–36.36%; stage 3–54.54%; and stage 4–4.54%), diagnosed 4.68 ± 3.00 years previously, who had undergone a subsequent intervention (preservation 56.53% and total mastectomy 43.47%) and had a current mean age of 52.30 ± 3.78 years. The participants (n = 28) engaged in a 12-week training program, each week comprising three sessions and each session lasting 60–90 min. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were also administered. The results showed statistically significant improvements in levels of physical activity and in the dimensions of quality of life. We can conclude that a 12-week rowing training program tailored to women who have had breast cancer increases physical activity levels, leading to improved health status and quality of life.
Highlights
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, representing about 9.6 million deaths in 2018, which means that one in six deaths globally is due to this disease [1,2]
Breast cancer survivor (BCS) is the name given to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatments
In our study, based on a rowing training program lasting only 12 weeks, improvements were observed in all levels of physical activity, as measured by the IPAQ-SF, including increased levels of walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity, and total physical activity as well as decreased sedentary activity of the participants; improvements were shown in all dimensions of quality of life
Summary
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, representing about 9.6 million deaths in 2018, which means that one in six deaths globally is due to this disease [1,2]. In several studies where the training programs combined endurance with aerobic exercise for 12 weeks, the improvements were significant in muscle strength, level of physical activity, and quality of life [21,25,26,27,28,29]. Women breast cancer survivors have found rowing to be an activity that improves the sequelae of the disease [35], such as reducing pain, increasing the range of movement in the upper limbs, improving muscle activation, and increasing strength and muscle function [36,37] In this sense, rowing is considered one of the most complete water sports, involving the work of the musculature of both the upper and lower limbs [38] and almost all the body’s musculature [39]. 12-week rowing training program on quality of life and physical activity levels in women who have survived breast cancer
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 callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: 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.
