Chenaya Cooper is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who has a passion for helping women throughout all stages of life on their journey to better health. Today, Chenaya discusses the role of exercise when you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer..
Breast cancer and exercise
A new study has been released by Schutz et al. (2021) on the long-term effects of different continuous physical activities on Breast Cancer survivors and provide some great research outcomes! If you or anyone you know is a Breast Cancer survivor, keep reading below!
During the study the researchers have collated numerous studies investigating different exercise modalities on the effectiveness in reducing adverse side effects resulting from Breast Cancer treatment. Despite the effectiveness of Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, and Hormone therapy in the removal of Breast cancer, side effects can include pain, body weight gain, decreased cardiovascular function, reduced muscle mass and strength and most commonly cancer-related fatigue (Kaltsatou et al., 2010).
In the present study, the researchers investigated previous research which incorporated exercise interventions from 8-16 weeks and again from 3-12 months, and included aerobic, anaerobic or a combination of these types of physical activity.
Major findings
Major findings of were centred around a reduction in cancer-related lymphedema, increased muscle and bone mass, improved sleep quality and reduced daily fatigue, greater cardiovascular fitness, and reduced pain and pressure sensations for those who underwent Chemotherapy.
Moderate-high intensity resistance-based exercise showed significant improvements in improving muscular strength and reduced fatigue. Coupling this with aerobic training showed an even greater reduction in fatigue for individuals both during and after treatment. Enhanced lean body mass and reduced body fat percentage was significant enough to improve sleep quality for generally sedentary women.
Common side effects of treatment
During treatment, a common side effect is increased bone resorption, accelerated bone loss and consqeuently a dangerously greater risk of bone fractures. The incorporation of safe impact-based exercise was effective in stimulating bone remodelling and increased bone mineral density (Kirkham et al., 2016).
Recommendations
Finally, the study recommended the incorporation of an Exercise Physiologist as an imperative guide for recovery throughout exercise. Exercise programs must be individualised to each individual condition, though the researchers suggested general guidelines as below:
Minimum 2x week of resistance based exercise at moderate intensity
Incorporating aerobic load-bearing exercise frequently
Combining high intensity interval training in conjunction with aerobic exercise
Exercise programs should be followed for a minimum 3 months is recommended
Our Women’s Health Exercise Physiologists at Flow Physio Co are here to help you with your Breast Cancer recovery!
References:
Kaltsatou, A., Marmeletzi, D., and Douka, S. (2010). Physical and psychological benefits of a 24-week traditional dance program in breast cancer survivors. J. Bodyw. Mov. Ther. 15, 162–167. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2010.03.002
Kirkham, A. A., Bland, K. A., Sayyari, S., Campbell, K. L., and Davis, M. K. (2016). Clinically relevant physical benefits of exercise interventions in breast cancer survivors. Curr. Oncol. Rep. 18, 12–20. doi: 10.1007/s11912-015-0496-3
Schutz S, Aidar FJ, Souza RLM, et al. Different Methods of Physical Training Applied to Women Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol. 2021;12:639406. Published 2021 Apr 14. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.639406