Feasibility of an Exercise Program for Puerto Rican Women who are Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The primary objective of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility of implementing two exercise programs for female patients who are breast cancer survivors and residents of the metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Potential benefits and complications of participating in a gym-exercise program or a home-exercise program, as opposed to standard care, were identified. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a gym-exercise group, a home-exercise group, or a non-exercise group. Interventions consisted of exercise programs with both aerobic and strengthening components, offered for a 26-week period. Outcome measures consisted of functional evaluation, shoulder range of motion, 12-minute walk test, handgrip strength, body mass index, and quality of life. The results of this study showed that it is feasible for Puerto Rican women to participate in a moderate intensity exercise program without developing complications. Participation in the exercise programs studied here minimized the side effects after cancer treatment, such as reduced physical functional ability and restricted shoulder mobility. Improvements were found in the measures of shoulder range of motion, upper extremity related physical function, and distance walked.

Figure 1

No statistical differences were found in each group from baseline to completion of the intervention period (p > 0.05). In addition, no statistical differences were observed between the 3 comparison groups after completion of the intervention (p = 0.17).

Figure 2

No statistical differences were found in each group from baseline to completion of the intervention period (p > 0.05). In addition, no statistical differences were observed between the 3 comparison groups after completion of the intervention (p = 0.17).

Figure 3

No statistical differences were found in each group from baseline to completion of the intervention period (p > 0.05). In addition, no statistical differences were observed between the 3 comparison groups after completion of the intervention (p = 0.17).

Figure 4

Improvements in the right external rotation were observed in the gym (p = 0.02) and home (p = 0.03) groups from baseline to the end of the intervention period. In addition, statistical differences were observed when the gym and home groups were compared with the control group (p = 0.01) after the completion of intervention.

Figure 5

Improvements in the 12-minute walk test was observed in the home group (p = 0.01) from baseline to the end of the intervention period. However, no statistical significance were observed between the control, gym, and home comparison groups (p = 0.31) after completion of intervention.

Figure 6

No statistical differences were found in each group from baseline to end of the intervention period (p > 0.05). In addition, no statistical differences were observed between the three comparison groups after completion of the intervention (p = 0.24).