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. 2013 Jun;49(3):319-29.
Epub 2013 Mar 13.

Effects of a home-based walking training program on cardiorespiratory fitness in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: a pilot study

F Vincent  1 , J L Labourey, S Leobon, M T Antonini, S Lavau-Denes, N Tubiana-Mathieu
Affiliations
  • PMID: 23480974
Free article

Effects of a home-based walking training program on cardiorespiratory fitness in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: a pilot study

F Vincent et al. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2013 Jun.
Free article

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer treatment is associated with a decline in measured cardiorespiratory fitness and increased fatigue. There is accumulating evidence that exercise training during adjuvant chemotherapy may contribute to prevent these changes. Additional studies are needed to explore the effectiveness of home-based walking interventions among this population.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week adapted home-based walking training program (WTP) on clinical rehabilitation in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.

Design: This was a pilot study using a single-group design.

Setting: Unit Department of Physiology and Medical Oncology, Limoges University Hospital, France.

Population: Thirty-nine outpatients predominantly with stage II breast cancer.

Methods: Participants performed 3 home ambulatory aerobic walking sessions per week at 50-60% of their maximum heart rate for 12 weeks. Functional capacity was assessed with an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test during which peak oxygen consumption (VO(2peak)) was measured. A six-minute walking test (6 MWT) was performed to evaluate physical function. The revised Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS-R) was used to measure self-reported fatigue.

Results: Thirty-four patients (87%) completed all study procedures. Per Protocol (PP) analysis indicated that VO(2peak) recorded both before and after a 12-week adapted home-based WTP increased significantly by 2.21 mL.kg-1.min-1 (P=0.008) and 6 MWT distance increased significantly by 42 m (P=0.04). PFS-R score increased by 0.4 points, but not significantly.

Conclusion: In breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, home-based WTP is feasible and associated with significant improvements in VO(2peak), with no significant effect on fatigue score. Larger randomized trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

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