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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2021 May;28(3):737-745.
doi: 10.1007/s12282-020-01211-y. Epub 2021 Mar 10.

Effects of a personal trainer-led exercise intervention on physical activity, physical function, and quality of life of breast cancer survivors

Linda F Wang  1 , Yvonne L Eaglehouse  2 , Janette T Poppenberg  3 , Jill W Brufsky  4 , Emily M Geramita  4 , Shuyan Zhai  5 , Kelliann K Davis  6 , Bethany Barone Gibbs  6 , Jason Metz  7 , G J van Londen  8
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of a personal trainer-led exercise intervention on physical activity, physical function, and quality of life of breast cancer survivors

Linda F Wang et al. Breast Cancer. 2021 May.

Abstract

Purpose: Exercise is important to address physical and emotional effects of breast cancer treatment. This study examines effects of a personal trainer led exercise intervention on physical activity levels, physical function and quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors.

Methods: Women post active breast cancer treatment were recruited from 2015 to 2017, randomized to immediate exercise or wait-list control, and received three personal training sessions for up to 30 weeks. Physical activity and function were assessed by pedometer, and tests of endurance, strength, and flexibility. Self-reported physical activity, physical activity self-efficacy, and QoL were also assessed.

Results: 60 women were randomized to immediate intervention (n = 31) or wait-list control (n = 29). Subjects were aged (mean ± SD) 56 ± 10 years. On the endurance test, the exercise group significantly improved (increase of 18 ± 20 steps vs control 9 ± 12 steps) (p = 0.036). On the strength test, the exercise group significantly improved (increase of 4 ± 3 curls vs control 1 ± 3 curls) (p = 0.002). After intervention, change (mean ∆ ± SD) in the FACT-ES physical well-being subscale score was 1 ± 2 in the exercise group and - 1 ± 2 in the control group (p = 0.023). Improvement in Self-efficacy and Physical Activity (SEPA) score was significant with a change (mean ∆ ± SD) of 2 ± 5 for exercise vs 0 ± 5 for control (p = 0.047). The number of steps/day, back scratch test, weight, and self-reported physical activity did not significantly improve with intervention.

Conclusions: The intervention yielded significant improvements in endurance and strength but not physical activity or quality of life.

Implications for cancer survivors: Future efforts to explore feasible ways to support patient's physical activity efforts need to be undertaken.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cancer survivors; Exercise; Fitness; Personal trainer; Quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: One of the authors has received a speaker honorarium from Eisai Co., Ltd.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of participants
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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