The impact of an exercise program on quality of life in older breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy: a randomized controlled trial.

Thais R S Paulo, Fabricio E Rossi, Juliana Viezel, Giuliano T Tosello, Sylvia C Seidinger, Regina R Simões, Ruffo de Freitas, Ismael F Freitas

Journal: Health and quality of life outcomes 2019;17(1):17

PMID: 30658629

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Plain Language Summary

Aromatase inhibitors (which include Tamoxifen) are considered the gold standard treatment in postmenopausal women with breast cancer but may lead to symptoms which have a negative effect on quality of life (QoL). The aim of this randomised controlled study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on QoL in older breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy. 36 women took part in the study, 18 in the exercise group (EX) and 18 in the control group (CN). The EX group attended three supervised exercise sessions per week, consisting of a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise. The CN group attended two relaxation and stretching classes a week. Study duration was nine months. Three different questionnaires were used to assess various aspects of QoL. The study found that combined aerobic and resistance exercise can significantly improve almost all aspects of QoL, including physical, psychological and social functioning. The authors conclude that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise could be an important strategy to improve health and minimise the side effects of breast cancer treatment in breast cancer survivors.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the impact of an exercise program on quality of life in older breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy.

METHODS

Older breast cancer survivors were randomized into two groups: combined training: resistance + aerobic exercise program for nine months (n = 18) or control group (n = 18). Quality of life was assessed by the questionnaires SF36, EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC QLQ-BR23 at baseline, and at three, six, and nine months. The exercise group performed 40 min of resistance exercises on machines followed by 30 min of aerobic training on a treadmill 3x/wk. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the groups over time.

RESULTS

Significant time x group interactions and moderate to high effect sizes were found for physical functioning, physical health, bodily pain, general health perception, vitality, social functioning, fatigue, sleep disturbance, body image, and upset by hair loss, favoring the exercise group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the potential benefits and high clinical relevance of exercise programs to improve quality of life in older breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Address: State University of Sao Paulo, UNESP, School of Technology and Sciences, Rua Roberto Simonsen, 305, Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, CEP 19060-900, Brazil. [email protected].; Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, UFRN, Natal, Brazil. [email protected].; State University of Sao Paulo, UNESP, School of Technology and Sciences, Rua Roberto Simonsen, 305, Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, CEP 19060-900, Brazil.; Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, Teresina, Brazil.; Federal University of São Paulo, USP, Sao Paulo, Brazil.; Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, UFTM, Uberaba, Brazil.; Federal University of Goias, UFG, Goiânia, Brazil.

DOI: 10.1186/s12955-019-1090-4

Patient Centred Factor

Mediators: Exercise

Clinical Imbalances

Hormonal Immune and inflammation

Modifiable Lifestyle Factors

Exercise and movement

Jadad Score

Nutrition Evidence Keywords

Aerobic exercise Resistance exercise Quality of life Aromatase inhibitor

Bioactive Substances

Aromatase inhibitor

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MeSH Terms: Aged, Analysis of Variance, Aromatase Inhibitors, Breast Neoplasms, Cancer Survivors, Exercise, Exercise Therapy, Fatigue, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Quality of Life, Resistance Training, Surveys and Questionnaires, Survivors