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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Jan 19:2014:271828.
doi: 10.1155/2014/271828. eCollection 2014.

Effects of scheduled exercise on cancer-related fatigue in women with early breast cancer

Anne Marie Lunde Husebø  1 , Sindre Mikal Dyrstad  2 , Ingvil Mjaaland  3 , Jon Arne Søreide  4 , Edvin Bru  5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of scheduled exercise on cancer-related fatigue in women with early breast cancer

Anne Marie Lunde Husebø et al. ScientificWorldJournal. .

Abstract

While physical activity during cancer treatment is found beneficial for breast cancer patients, evidence indicates ambiguous findings concerning effects of scheduled exercise programs on treatment-related symptoms. This study investigated effects of a scheduled home-based exercise intervention in breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy, on cancer-related fatigue, physical fitness, and activity level. Sixty-seven women were randomized to an exercise intervention group (n = 33, performed strength training 3x/week and 30 minutes brisk walking/day) and a control group (n = 34, performed their regular physical activity level). Data collection was performed at baseline, at completion of chemotherapy (Post₁), and 6-month postchemotherapy (Post₂). Exercise levels were slightly higher in the scheduled exercise group than in the control group. In both groups, cancer-related fatigue increased at Post₁ but returned to baseline at Post₂. Physical fitness and activity levels decreased at Post₁ but were significantly improved at Post₂. Significant differences between intervention and control groups were not found. The findings suggest that generally recommended physical activity levels are enough to relief cancer-related fatigue and restore physical capacity in breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy, although one cannot rule out that results reflect diminishing treatment side effects over time.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow of breast cancer patients through the trial.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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