The Feasibility of Delivering a Home-based Motivational Exercise Program to African-American Breast Cancer Survivors

Most African-American breast cancer survivors do not meet current exercise recommendations for cancer survivors, which include both aerobic and strength-training exercises. This pilot study tested the feasibility of delivering a home-based exercise intervention to African-American breast cancer survivors. Sedentary African-American breast cancer survivors were recruited for a 16-week motivational home-based progressive aerobic and strength-training exercise pilot study. Participants completed weekly exercise logs and received weekly phone calls. To assess feasibility, we evaluated recruitment, retention, and adherence rates, as well as participant acceptance and safety. 17 women enrolled; 13 completed the intervention (76%). Participants had moderately-high adherence (70%) to walking goals, but only 51% for strength training goals which progressed to three times a week towards the end of the study. All women indicated that they planned to continue exercising regularly. Additionally, they all reported they would continue walking, but only nine of 13 indicated they would continue strength-training.This study addresses gaps in the exercise oncology literature since very few exercise studies have targeted African-American breast cancer survivors. Also, most exercise studies among breast cancer survivors have focused only on increasing aerobic physical activity. The intervention was feasible and safe to deliver. However, study modifications to improve recruitment and adherence in future mixed modality exercise interventions are recommended

Breast and prostate cancer survivor responses to group exercise and supportive group psychotherapy

This study qualitatively examined an 8 week group exercise and counseling intervention for breast and prostate cancer survivors. Groups exercised 3 days per week, 50 minutes per session, performing moderate intensity aerobic and resistance training. Groups also underwent 90 minute supportive group psychotherapy sessions once per week. Survivors discussed their experiences in focus groups post intervention. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Survivors described how exercise facilitated counseling by creating mutual aid and trust, and counseling helped participants with self-identity, sexuality, and returning to normalcy. When possible, counselors and fitness professionals should create partnerships to optimally support cancer survivors

Improving muscular endurance with the MVe Fitness ChairTM in breast cancer

Objectives To assess the feasibility and efficacy of delivering Pilates exercises for resistance training to breast cancer survivors using the MVe Fitness Chair™. Design Pilot randomized controlled trial. Methods Twenty-six female breast cancer survivors were randomized to use the MVe Fitness Chair™ (n = 8), traditional resistance training (n = 8), or a control group (no exercise) (CO) (n = 10). The MVe Fitness Chair™ and traditional resistance training groups completed 8 weeks of exercise. Muscular endurance was assessed pre and post-test for comparisons within and between groups using push ups, curl ups, and the Dynamic Muscular Endurance Test Battery for Cancer Patients of Various Ages. Results Feasibility of the MVe Fitness Chair™ was good, evidenced by over 80% adherence for both exercise groups and positive narrative feedback. Significant improvements in muscular endurance were observed in the MVe Fitness Chair™ (p \u3c 0.002) and traditional resistance training groups (p \u3c 0.001), but there were no differences in improvement between the MVe Fitness Chair™ and traditional resistance training groups (p \u3c 0.711) indicating that Pilates and traditional resistance training may be equally effective at improving muscular endurance in this population. Conclusions The MVe Fitness Chair™ is feasible for use in breast cancer survivors. It appears to promote similar improvements in muscular endurance when compared to traditional resistance training, but has several advantages over traditional resistance training, including cost, logistics, enjoyment, and ease of learning

The Effects of a Duathlon Simulation on Ventilatory Threshold and Running Economy

Multisport events continue to grow in popularity among recreational, amateur, and professional athletes around the world. This study aimed to determine the compounding effects of the initial run and cycling legs of an International Triathlon Union (ITU) Duathlon simulation on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), ventilatory threshold (VT) and running economy (RE) within a thermoneutral, laboratory controlled setting. Seven highly trained multisport athletes completed three trials; Trial-1 consisted of a speed only VO2max treadmill protocol (SOVO2max) to determine VO2max, VT, and RE during a single-bout run; Trial-2 consisted of a 10 km run at 98% of VT followed by an incremental VO2max test on the cycle ergometer; Trial-3 consisted of a 10 km run and 30 km cycling bout at 98% of VT followed by a speed only treadmill test to determine the compounding effects of the initial legs of a duathlon on VO2max, VT, and RE. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to determine differences between variables across trials. No difference in VO2max, VT (%VO2max), maximal HR, or maximal RPE was observed across trials. Oxygen consumption at VT was significantly lower during Trial-3 compared to Trial-1 (p = 0.01). This decrease was coupled with a significant reduction in running speed at VT (p = 0.015). A significant interaction between trial and running speed indicate that RE was significantly altered during Trial-3 compared to Trial-1 (p < 0.001). The first two legs of a laboratory based duathlon simulation negatively impact VT and RE. Our findings may provide a useful method to evaluate multisport athletes since a single-bout incremental treadmill test fails to reveal important alterations in physiological thresholds

Comparison of Methods for Determining Aerobic Exercise Intensity Using Heart Rate in Acute Leukemia Patients Prior to Induction Chemotherapy

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the gold standard of cardiopulmonary evaluation, is used to determine VO2 levels at different aerobic exercise training intensities; however, it may not be feasible to conduct CPET in all clinical settings

The Relationship between Changes in Weight Status and Insulin Resistance in Youth

This study examined changes in insulin resistance (IR) in 120 youth over two years. IR was quantified via homeostatic model (HOMA-IR), and weight status changes were quantified via body mass index (BMI). When all participants were considered, the mean HOMA-IR and BMI increased 13.4% and 1.65 units, respectively. Change in BMI z-score and percent change in HOMA-IR were moderately associated (r = 0.39). Follow-up analyses were performed for the following weight groups: NN (normal at baseline and two years later), NO (normal to overweight), ON (overweight to normal), and OO (overweight at both points). The NO group had a greater change in HOMA-IR (+50%) compared to other groups: ON (−8%), NN (+2%), and OO (−0.1%) (P < .05). The association between changes in BMI z-score and HOMA-IR was r = 0.49 when only the NO and ON groups were included. These results reinforce the importance of preventing youth from becoming overweight to control IR

Relationship between sleep and exercise as colorectal cancer survivors transition off treatment

Purpose The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exercise and sleep disturbance in a sample of individuals diagnosed with stage I, II, and III colorectal cancer (CRC) as patients transitioned off first-line treatment. We also sought to identify heterogeneity in the relationship between sleep disturbance and exercise. Methods Data were obtained from the MY-Health study, a community-based observational study of adults diagnosed with cancer. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) measures (e.g., PROMIS Sleep) were administered, and participants self-reported demographics, comorbidities, cancer treatment, and exercise. Regression mixture and multiple regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between sleep disturbance and exercise cross-sectionally at an average of 10 months after diagnosis, and the change in sleep disturbance over a 7-month period, from approximately 10 to 17 months post-diagnosis. Results Patients whose exercise was categorized as likely at or above American College of Sports Medicine’s guidelines did not report statistically better sleep quality compared to patients who were classified as not active. However, retirement (B = − 2.4), anxiety (B = 0.21), and fatigue (B = 0.24) had statistically significant relationships with sleep disturbance (p < 0.05). Increase in exercise was not significantly associated with a decrease in sleep disturbance. No statistical heterogeneity was revealed in the relationship between sleep and exercise. Conclusions Further prospective research using an objective measure of exercise is warranted to confirm or refute the nature of the relationship between exercise and sleep disturbance in individuals diagnosed with CRC transitioning off first-line treatment

The Effects of an Exercise Program in Leukemia Patients

PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility of administering an in-hospital exercise program to acute leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. A secondary purpose explored the impact of exercise on selected physiological, psychological, and inflammatory markers. METHODS: Ten patients, aged 18 to 50 years, diagnosed with acute leukemia or newly relapsed were assessed for body weight, height, body composition (skinfolds), cardiorespiratory endurance (total minutes on bicycle ergometer at 60% heart rate reserve), dynamic muscular endurance (Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute protocol), fatigue (Revised Piper Fatigue Scale), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, National Institute of Mental Health questionnaire), and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General) at baseline (within 3 days of diagnosis) and at the end of induction phase of treatment. Blood draws were taken at baseline, midpoint, and at the end of induction for analyses of inflammatory markers (Linco Luminex assay). Combined aerobic and strength training exercises were administered 3 times per week, twice daily, for 30 minutes. Paired-samples t-tests were used for the analyses of physiological and psychological parameters. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used for the analyses of inflammatory markers. RESULTS: Significant improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance (P = .009, baseline 8.9 +/- 8.8 minutes, postexercise intervention 17 +/- 14.3 minutes) with significant reductions in total fatigue scores (P = .009, baseline 4.6 +/- 1.7, postexercise intervention 1.8 +/- 1.6) and depression scores (P = .023, baseline 19 +/- 11.5, postexercise intervention 12 +/- 8.2) were observed. Marginally significant decrease in interleukin-6 (IL-6; P = .059) with no significant changes in IL-10 (P = .223) or interferon-gamma (P = .882) were observed. CONCLUSION: Administration of exercise to acute leukemia patients undergoing treatment is feasible. The exercise protocol used increased cardiovascular endurance, reduced fatigue and depression scores, and maintained quality of life. Although no significant change in inflammation was observed, a trend demonstrating a reduction in IL-6 and an increase in IL-10 warrants further investigation

Exercise in Patients With Breast Cancer and Healthy Controls: Energy Substrate Oxidation and Blood Lactate Responses

The aim of this study was to compare select aspects of exercise energy metabolism in patients with breast cancer with that of healthy controls across a variety of exercise intensities. Posttreated patients with breast cancer were matched with healthy women based on age, physical fitness level, and menopausal status. Subjects participated in low-, moderate-, and high-intensity submaximal exercise sessions that corresponded with 40% of maximal oxygen consumption

Los efectos de los ejercicios de resistencia sobre varios músculos y niveles de fatiga en pacientes con cáncer de mama

Os efeitos de programas generalizados de atividade física no combate ao câncer e aos efeitos colaterais de seu tratamento têm sido amplamente relatados na literatura. O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de examinar os efeitos de um programa de prescrição de exercício físico individualizado, com ênfase no treinamento resistido, na força muscular e nos níveis de fadiga em pacientes portadoras de câncer de mama em tratamento. Vinte mulheres foram divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos, sendo um experimental (57,5 ± 23,0 anos) e um controle (56,6 ± 16,0 anos). O grupo experimental exercitou-se, após a cirurgia, durante 60 minutos, de forma moderada, duas vezes por semana, durante 21 semanas. A força muscular total foi avaliada antes e após o tratamento e os níveis de fadiga foram avaliados em três momentos durante o treinamento. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na força muscular total entre os grupos após o treinamento (p = 0,025). Os níveis de fadiga diminuíram significativamente entre os grupos após a primeira (p = 0,001) e a segunda (p = 0,005) intervenção e ao final do tratamento (p = 0,001). Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que os exercícios resistidos devem ser incluídos na prescrição de exercícios no combate da fadiga e na melhoria da força muscular em mulheres com câncer de mama, submetidas a tratamento.The effects of generalized exercise programs to combat cancer and cancer treatment-related side effects have been extensively reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an individualized exercise program with emphasis on resistance exercise, changes in muscular strength and fatigue in breast cancer female patients under treatment. Twenty subjects were randomly divided in two groups: an experimental (57.5 ± 23.0 years) and a control (56.6 ± 16.0 years) group. A twenty-one week intervention involving pre- and post-functional assessments, prescriptive exercise, and three moments of fatigue measures was used. The experimental group exercised at a low to moderate-intensity for sixty minutes two days a week beginning after surgery. Significant differences in overall muscular strength were observed between groups post-intervention (p = 0.025). Fatigue was also significantly different between groups at treatment one (p = 0.001), treatment two (p = 0.005) and post-intervention (p = 0.001). The results of this study suggest that an emphasis on resistance training should be utilized to combat fatigue and to increase muscular strength in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.Los efectos de programas generalizados de actividad física de combate al cáncer y los efectos colaterales de su tratamiento vienen siendo bastante estudiados. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido el de examinar los efectos de un programa prescrito de ejercicio físico individual, con énfasis en el entrenamiento resistido, en la fuerza muscular y en los niveles de fatiga en pacientes portadoras de cáncer de mama en tratamiento. Veinte mujeres fueron divididas aleatoriamente en dos grupos, siendo uno de ellos el experimental (57,5 ± 23,0 años) y el otro de control (56,6 ± 16,0 años). El grupo experimental se ejercitó después de una cirugía durante 60 minutos, de forma moderada, dos veces por semana, durante 21 semanas. La fuerza muscular total fue evaluada antes y después del tratamiento y los niveles de fatiga fueron evaluados en cuatro momentos durante los ejercicios. Fueron encontradas diferencias significativas en la fuerza muscular total entre los grupos después de los ejercicios (p = 0,025). Los niveles de fatiga disminuyeron significativamente entre los grupos después de la primera (p = 0,001) y la segunda (p = 0,005) intervención y al final del tratamiento (p = 0,001). Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que los ejercicios resistidos deben ser incluidos en la prescripción de ejercicios de combate a la fatiga y en la mejoría de la fuerza muscular en mujeres con cáncer de mama sometidas a tratamiento