Physical activity, additional breast cancer events, and mortality among early-stage breast cancer survivors: findings from the WHEL Study

ObjectiveResearch suggests that physical activity is associated with improved breast cancer survival, yet no studies have examined the association between post-diagnosis changes in physical activity and breast cancer outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether baseline activity and 1-year change in activity are associated with breast cancer events or mortality.MethodsA total of 2,361 post-treatment breast cancer survivors (Stage I-III) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of dietary change completed physical activity measures at baseline and one year. Physical activity variables (total, moderate-vigorous, and adherence to guidelines) were calculated for each time point. Median follow-up was 7.1 years. Outcomes were invasive breast cancer events and all-cause mortality.ResultsThose who were most active at baseline had a 53% lower mortality risk compared to the least active women (HR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.84; p = .01). Adherence to activity guidelines was associated with a 35% lower mortality risk (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.91; p < .01). Neither baseline nor 1-year change in activity was associated with additional breast cancer events.ConclusionsHigher baseline (post-treatment) physical activity was associated with improved survival. However, change in activity over the following year was not associated with outcomes. These data suggest that long-term physical activity levels are important for breast cancer prognosis

Endothelial Function: The Impact of Objective and Subjective Socioeconomic Status on Flow-Mediated Dilation

Although objective and subjective indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), little is known about their relationship to endothelial dysfunction, which often precedes CVD. This study examined how objective and subjective SES relate to brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). FMD was assessed in 72 healthy adults (mean age 36 years). The MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status assessed perceived social standing in the USA (SSS-USA) and local community (SSS-Community). Objective SES measures included income and the Hollingshead Two-Factor Index of Social Position (education, occupation). Adjusted regressions revealed that SSS-Community positively correlated with FMD (p < 0.05) and explained 8% of the variance. No other SES measures were significant for FMD. The association between FMD and SSS-Community remained significant (p < 0.01) after adjustment for objective SES and other covariates. Lower subjective social status in one’s community may be linked to CVD via impaired vasodilation

Relationships Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Psychosocial Variables in Overweight and Obese Breast Cancer Survivors

# The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Background Breast cancer survivors not only experience distressing physical symptoms associated with treatments, but also are faced with psychosocial challenges. Despite growing scientific evidence that physical activity (PA) may mitigate psychosocial distress experienced by women treated for breast cancer, the literature is equivocal. Purpose This study investigated the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), PA, and psychosocial factors in breast cancer survivors. Method Data involving overweight or obese breast cancer survivors (N=260) were examined. CRF was determined by a submaximal graded exercise test. PA, depressive symptoms, total fatigue, and global self-esteem were assessed with selfreport measures. Pearson's correlations were conducted to determine associations among CRF, PA, depressive symptoms, total fatigue, and global self-esteem. Multiple regression models, with age and body mass index as covariates, were performed using continuous levels for CRF and PA. Results Bivariate correlations suggested that CRF and PA were unrelated to the psychosocial variables. One of the regression models identified a marginally significant (P=0.06) inverse association between depressive symptoms and PA. Conclusion CRF and PA were not associated with psychosocial factors in this sample of breast cancer survivors. However

Negative mood endures after completion of high-altitude military training

Background: Associations between physical and emotional stress and negative mood states have been documented in a variety of populations. In military personnel, more physical symptoms and decrements in ability, to perform critical tasks have been shown to accompany such stress-induced negative mood. Most research in this area has focused on immediate effects of stress on mood. Purpose: We wondered what immediate mood effects strenuous training would have on Marines, what mood effects would endure 30 and 90 days after completion of training, and how mood scores would compare with normative data. Methods: Sixty male Marines (M age = 19 years, range = 18-28) completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) at multiple time points before and after participating in a 30-day, cold weather, high-altitude field training exercise. Anthropometric measurements were taken at the same time points. Results: The Marines reported significant increases in POMS scores from baseline to completion of training, most of which endured up to 90 days. The anger and fatigue scores reported by the Marines were comparable to adult male psychiatric outpatient norms. Conclusions: Rigorous training in challenging environments may result in enduring negative moods that approach levels of clinical significance and may have implications for readiness for duty and performance of critical tasks. Behavioral medicine interventions may be helpful in military populations to reduce the impact of negative mood

Association of Anxiety and Depression in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with mental disorders, but the strength of this association is unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between OSA, depression, and anxiety in adults and to quantitatively summarize the results. Methods: A literature search in Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Seventy-three articles were selected for the study. Results: The pooled prevalence of depressive and anxious symptoms in OSA patients was 35% (95% CI, 28\u201341%) and 32% (95% CI, 22\u201342%), respectively. Conclusions: The association between OSA, anxiety, and depression indicates the value of early diagnosis and personalized treatment of OSA to improve mental disorders conditioning compliance to therapy. These conditions share a probably bidirectional relationship