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

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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.

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Funding

This study was funded by Magee Womens Institute and Foundation, and The National Cancer Institute (P30 CA047904).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston, MA, USA

    Linda F. Wang

  2. Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Yvonne L. Eaglehouse

  3. Our Clubhouse™, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Janette T. Poppenberg

  4. Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Jill W. Brufsky, Emily M. Geramita & G. J. van Londen

  5. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Biostatistical Facility, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Shuyan Zhai

  6. Department of Health and Human Development, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Kelliann K. Davis & Bethany Barone Gibbs

  7. West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA

    Jason Metz

Authors
  1. Linda F. Wang
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  2. Yvonne L. Eaglehouse
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  3. Janette T. Poppenberg
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  4. Jill W. Brufsky
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  5. Emily M. Geramita
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  7. Kelliann K. Davis
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  9. Jason Metz
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  10. G. J. van Londen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. J. van Londen.

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Conflict of interest

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

Ethical approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Pittsburgh (7/28/15, PRO15030197).

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

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Wang, L.F., Eaglehouse, Y.L., Poppenberg, J.T. et al. Effects of a personal trainer-led exercise intervention on physical activity, physical function, and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Breast Cancer 28, 737–745 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-020-01211-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-020-01211-y

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