The impact of an exercise program on quality of life in older breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy: a randomized controlled trial.

Health and quality of life outcomes. 2019;17(1):17
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Plain language summary

Aromatase inhibitors (which include Tamoxifen) are considered the gold standard treatment in postmenopausal women with breast cancer but may lead to symptoms which have a negative effect on quality of life (QoL). The aim of this randomised controlled study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on QoL in older breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy. 36 women took part in the study, 18 in the exercise group (EX) and 18 in the control group (CN). The EX group attended three supervised exercise sessions per week, consisting of a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise. The CN group attended two relaxation and stretching classes a week. Study duration was nine months. Three different questionnaires were used to assess various aspects of QoL. The study found that combined aerobic and resistance exercise can significantly improve almost all aspects of QoL, including physical, psychological and social functioning. The authors conclude that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise could be an important strategy to improve health and minimise the side effects of breast cancer treatment in breast cancer survivors.

Abstract

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the impact of an exercise program on quality of life in older breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy. METHODS Older breast cancer survivors were randomized into two groups: combined training: resistance + aerobic exercise program for nine months (n = 18) or control group (n = 18). Quality of life was assessed by the questionnaires SF36, EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC QLQ-BR23 at baseline, and at three, six, and nine months. The exercise group performed 40 min of resistance exercises on machines followed by 30 min of aerobic training on a treadmill 3x/wk. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the groups over time. RESULTS Significant time x group interactions and moderate to high effect sizes were found for physical functioning, physical health, bodily pain, general health perception, vitality, social functioning, fatigue, sleep disturbance, body image, and upset by hair loss, favoring the exercise group. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the potential benefits and high clinical relevance of exercise programs to improve quality of life in older breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Lifestyle medicine

Fundamental Clinical Imbalances : Hormonal ; Immune and inflammation
Patient Centred Factors : Mediators/Exercise
Environmental Inputs : Physical exercise
Personal Lifestyle Factors : Exercise and movement
Functional Laboratory Testing : Not applicable
Bioactive Substances : Aromatase inhibitor

Methodological quality

Jadad score : 2
Allocation concealment : Not applicable

Metadata