Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of resistance training (RT) programs for breast cancer survivors (BCS). A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Register of the Cochrane Library, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Scopus, with the aim of identifying all published studies on RT and BCS from 1 January 1990 to 6 December 2019, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias in the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0). Sixteen trials were included for qualitative analysis. More than half of the trials do not adequately report the characteristics that make up the exercise program. The maximal strength was the most frequently monitored manifestation of strength, evaluated mainly as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Resistance training was performed on strength-training machines, twice a week, using a load between 50% and 80% of 1RM. The trials reported significant improvement in muscle strength, fatigue, pain, quality of life, and minor changes in aerobic capacity.
Highlights
The health benefits of physical exercise (PE) have been extensively described, highlighting its positive influence on physical, psychological, cognitive, and social condition, as well as its role in disease prevention and treatment, and improvement of quality of life (QoL) [1]
Most reviews described the general characteristics of the trials, training program, and obtained results in contrast with other types of training, especially with cancer survivors having, or at risk of developing, lymphedema related to breast cancer (BC); these descriptions were generic and not explicit enough regarding the resistance evaluation method, exercise intensity, progress, the type of resistance and exercise used during evaluation, and the training program
Most studies used the evaluation of maximal strength to develop training programs, none of the studies performed an evaluation of muscle power, and only three studies evaluated resistance-endurance
Summary
The health benefits of physical exercise (PE) have been extensively described, highlighting its positive influence on physical, psychological, cognitive, and social condition, as well as its role in disease prevention and treatment, and improvement of quality of life (QoL) [1]. In relation to breast cancer (BC), PE may be an important element in the reduction of risk factors, mortality, and relapse [2,3,4]. It diminishes the sequelae produced by the treatments against BC, such as the loss of joint mobility and muscle strength, pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression [5,6]. Muscle contraction generates a tension in the muscle, which applied by osteoarticular levers, is able to oppose or overcome an imposed load This capacity is generically referred to as muscular strength. The different outcomes or performances of muscle strength are diverse and are given different names, some of which are used in this review (Table 1)
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