A supervised home-based exercise program for breast cancer survivors' functional performance (Home-PAC): a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction. Hormonal therapy has adverse effects that hinder breast cancer survivors' functional performance and quality of life. Physical activity (PA) can counteract these adverse effects, and home-based exercise interventions might be a potential solution to foster PA adoption in this population. This study aimed to investigate home-based exercise intervention effects on functional performance, quality of life and PA of breast cancer survivors’ undergoing hormonal therapy. Adherence to the intervention and adverse events were also reported. Method. This study was a 12-week randomised controlled trial comprising a home-based exercise intervention supported by an exercise booklet including six exercise groups and a weekly online exercise group session. Eighteen women were recruited from Hospital Universitário do Barlavento Algarvio. Results. Significant time-by-group effects in functional performance (sit-to-stand (p=.033), arm curl (p=.011), and timed up-and-go (.009) tests), quality of life (insomnia (p=.007) and breast symptoms (p=.035)), and PA (vigorous PA (p=.033), walking (p=.005), and total PA (p=.034)), favouring the intervention group were found. Attendance to the supervised component of the program was high (80%). Conclusion. This home-based exercise intervention was well tolerated and accepted by participants and led to significant improvements in functional performance and PA levels. These findings further support the effectiveness of this type of intervention, which is a more affordable and viable strategy to raise PA levels and enhance functional performance in breast cancer survivors. Exercise professionals may use these programs to promote active lifestyles while reducing barriers to practice.