The Effect Of A12 Weeks Physical Activity Program On Muscular Strength In Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second cause of death due to cancer in females in US. The deleterious side effects of the treatments on their physiological and psychological health are powerful, limiting their daily living and quality of life. Therefore, interventions that help ameliorate the side effects of the treatments and rehabilitate the survivors to regain their daily living and improve their quality of life are necessary. Physical activity programs have shown to have a positive effect on body composition, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscle strength in breast cancer survivors. PURPOSE: The aim of this analysis was to determine the effect of a 12 weeks physical activity program that included 4 weeks of resistance training, on static and dynamic muscular strength. METHODS: Twenty one breast cancer survivors participated on a 12 weeks physical activity program. The variables measured were static arm strength and dynamic muscular strength assessed before and after the intervention. The arm static strength was measured using a hand dynamometer and the upper/lower dynamic strength was measured performing a 1RM test for bench press and leg press exercises. The physical activity program consisted of different aerobic and anaerobic activities throughout 12 weeks. The resistance program consisted of 2 consecutive weeks, twice in the intervention (week 2 and 3; and later week 8 and 9), were they completed 10 exercises using resistance machines. The intensity for each exercise was individualized and were as follow: week 2- 3 sets x 16 reps @50%1RM, week 3-3 sets X 18 reps @50% 1RM. For week 8, 3 sets x 8 reps @60%1RM and week 9 was 3 sets x 8 [email protected] 70% 1RM. (IRB #1314-201) RESULTS: Static muscle strength increased in both arms (right arm: 18kg to34 kg; left arm: 19kg to 32 kg). Dynamic strength increased for bench press exercise (21kg to 30kg) and in the leg press exercise (77 kg to 103 kg). The results showed that the participants significantly increased their static arm strength in both arms (p<.05). Also, the participants significantly increased their dynamic muscular strength as measured in the bench press and leg press (p<.05). CONCLUSION: A 12 week physical activity program that included 4 weeks of resistance training was effective in increasing upper and lower body strength in breast cancer survivors.