THE EXERCISE RESPONSE IS PATIENT SPECIFIC NOT CANCER SPECIFIC

Abstract

Evidence is mounting that suggests exercise training has a positive effect on cancer recovery. However, questions remain regarding the influence of cancer type on the response to exercise training. PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to compare the response of breast cancer patients to patients with other forms of cancer following exercise training. METHODS Seventy-five cancer patients participated in fitness assessments which examined pulmonary function (PF), cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), muscular strength (MS), muscular endurance (ME), and range of motion (ROM). In addition, subjects completed inventories that assessed fatigue (Fa) and depression (De). Subjects were assigned to either the breast cancer group (BC, n = 43) or the cancer group (C, n = 32) which included individuals with other commonly diagnosed cancers (i.e., ovarian, cervical, prostate). Groups participated in an exercise intervention program 2 to 3 days per week for 6 months. The exercise intervention consisted of cardiorespiratory training, resistance training, and flexibility training. Following the 6-month intervention, all subjects were reassessed. RESULTS Both BC and C groups demonstrated significant increases in CF, ME, and ROM with concomitant decreases in Fa and De (p <0.05). No significant differences were found between the BC and C groups. CONCLUSION Cancer survivors show improvements in functional capacity and mood state with the implementation of individually prescribed exercise. This suggests that individualizing exercise is patient specific and not cancer specific.