Abstract
Purpose: This study assessed the effect of low- versus moderate-intensity endurance exercise on the physical functioning of women who are breast cancer survivors.
Methods: Women who had completed treatment for breast cancer at stages 0 to III, aged 50 years and above, were randomly assigned to a low-intensity or moderate-intensity exercise group. Both groups participated in seven intervention sessions distributed over 26 weeks. Women were instructed to walk for 30 minutes five days a week. Flexibility, strengthening, and balance exercises were included for both groups. The Theory of Planned Behavior guided the interventions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 12 months after baseline. The primary outcomes were PROMIS Physical Functioning, PROMIS Global Health, and the six-minute walk test.
Results: Sixty-five of 101 women randomized (64.4%) completed the study. No statistically significant between-group differences were found at post-intervention or 12 months. In both exercise groups, statistically significant improvements were demonstrated for the PROMIS Physical Functioning at post-intervention (p = 0.01 for low intensity; p=.002 for moderate intensity), and the PROMIS Global Health physical health subscale (p = 0.001 for low intensity; p=.005 for moderate intensity). No statistically significant within-group changes were observed in the PROMIS Global Health mental subscale or the six-minute walk test.
Conclusion: A seven-intervention session program at both low and moderate-intensity walking significantly improved physical functioning in breast cancer survivors.
Implications for cancer survivors: Women who are breast cancer survivors aged 50 years and above who would like to increase their physical functioning, have the option of exercising at both low and moderate intensity.
Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02982564
Date of registration: December 5, 2016