Cardiometabolic Profile, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors after Different Physical Exercise Protocols: A 34-Month Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) and cardiovascular (CV) disease share many risk factors associated with worse outcomes, in terms of cancer relapse, CV events, and quality of life (QoL), that could be counteracted by physical exercise (PE). We aimed to assess the impact of a 12-week differential PE protocol on cardiometabolic profile, QoL, CV- and BC-related long-term outcomes, and physical activity (PA) in a cohort of BC survivors (BCS) not treated with chemotherapy. Methods: 57 BCS participated in a 12-week PE protocol [aerobic exercise training (AET) or resistance exercise training (RET)]. Anthropometric and CV evaluation, health-related (HR)-QoL, daily PA, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were assessed before (T0) and after (T1) PE. We assessed BC and CV outcomes, HR-QoL, CV-QoL, and PA at the follow-up. Results: RET improved waist circumference, DHEA-S, cortisol/DHEA-S, systolic and mean blood pressure, and ventricular/arterial coupling; AET ameliorated sagittal abdomen diameter and pulse wave velocity. Regarding HR-QoL, physical function improved only in AET group. At a mean 34 ± 3.6-month follow-up, we documented no significant differences in CV-QoL, HR-QoL, and PA or CV and BC outcomes. Conclusions: AET and RET determine specific, positive adaptations on many parameters strongly related to CV risk, CV and BC outcomes, and QoL, and should be included in any cardio-oncology rehabilitation program.

The Efficacy of Muscle Energy and Mulligan Mobilization Techniques for the Upper Extremities and Posture after Breast Cancer Surgery with Axillary Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Moreover, quality of life was not assessed. In fact, the quality of life outcomes were influenced by upper-extremity status in previous reports [12,38]. However, assessing the quality of life is important to confirm the positive effects of manual therapy interventions.…”

“…Furthermore, more high-quality research studies that prescribe exercise and address persistent upper-limb dysfunction are needed to come to conclusions on the most effective interventions [6,9]. Precision in therapeutic intervention is crucial in breast cancer management, emphasizing the pivotal role of physical exercise and rehabilitation in addressing survivorship issues [10][11][12].…”