Physical Activity and Physical Fitness Levels of Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

0706 Women with breast cancer decrease their physical activity levels after the diagnosis of cancer which possibly results in reductions in physical fitness. PURPOSE: To compare self-reported physical activity and physical fitness levels of breast cancer survivors (BC, stage I-III, 3–18 months post treatment, n = 23) to women without breast cancer (Controls, Con, n = 23). METHODS: Postmenopausal women aged 50–67 years completed the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study physical activity questionnaire and a battery of physical fitness tests: treadmill OV2max, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) %fat, Sit and Reach, goniometer shoulder range of motion, 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press, 1-RM leg press, and maximal handgrip strength. Groups were compared using two-way ANOVA (group × age). RESULTS: Con (mean ± S.E. = 58.7 ± 1.1 yrs) was slightly older than BC (57.1 ± 1.1 yrs). Con and BC were similar in weight (Con = 67.3 ± 3.9 kg, BC = 66.6 ± 2.2 kg), body mass index (Con = 25.8 ± 2.0, BC = 25.2 ± 0.9), % fat (Con = 34.2 ± 2.0 %, BC = 33.4 ± 2.4 %), physical activity level, OV2max (Con = 30.1 ± 1.1 ml·Kg−1.min−1, BC = 29.5 ± 2.4 ml·Kg−1.min−1), Sit and Reach (Con = 17.5 ± 0.7 in, BC = 16.1 ± 0.7 in), and strength measures. Shoulder flexion of both the dominant and non-dominant arms was lower in BC, but other measures of shoulder flexibility were similar. For BC, comparisons of flexibility and handgrip strength between the surgical and non-surgical sides were not significant. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer survivors and women without breast cancer had similar levels of self-reported physical activity and fitness. Breast cancer survivors might benefit from additional post-surgical rehabilitation of both shoulders. Both groups would likely benefit from an exercise program that included aerobic, strength, and flexibility training. Supported by Virginia Horne Henry Fund for Women's Physical Education