Triathlon training for women breast cancer survivors: feasibility and initial efficacy.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a clinically overseen team triathlon training program on improving physiological and psychosocial health-related measures in female breast cancer survivors. Twenty-three participants (age=48 (8), BMI=25 (1), mean (SE)) were recruited from a 14-week sprint triathlon (800-m swim, 20-km bike, 5-km run) team training program for women breast cancer survivors (4 (3)years post-surgery, chemo-, or radiation-therapy). Training included two supervised group and three home-based individual sessions per week. Pre- and post-training outcomes included isokinetic knee extensor strength (60, 180, and 300°s-1), 6-min walk test (6MWT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy -Breast (FACT-B)), and barriers to exercise. Outcomes were also obtained 6months post except for VO2 max. Significance was set at p<0.05. Data are mean (SD) from 21 complete data sets. Knee extensor peak torque significantly improved only at 300°s-1 (pre 40.3(8.5) ftlb; post 45.2(8.4); p=0.001). 6MWT significantly improved (pre 632.8(62.1)m; post 657.4(53.2); p=0.014) as did VO2 max (pre 31.3(5.8)mlkg-1min-1; post 35.9(5.8); p<0.001). FACT-B also improved (pre 114(12); post 122(13); p=0.004), including the FACT-G total score, social well-being, and breast cancer subscales while barriers to exercise decreased (pre 54(12); post 36(9); p<0.001). Strength, 6MWT, and barriers to exercise remained improved after 6months. Team triathlon training in breast cancer survivors can increase aerobic capacity and improve QOL which may contribute to healthier lifestyles in breast cancer survivors.