The Effect of a Home-Based Tele-Exercise Training Program on the Quality of Life and Physical Performance in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The number of breast cancer (BCa) survivors has been steadily increasing due to advances in anti-cancer treatments, though these individuals suffer from various cancer- and treatment-related long-term side effects. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of a home-based tele-exercise training intervention on physical- and mental health-associated parameters in BCa survivors. A total of 13 female BCa survivors (age: 58.31 ± 3.13 years, BMI: 25.68 ± 0.62 kg/m2, waist circumference: 96.54 ± 1.84 cm) participated in a two-month group tele-exercise program twice per week which included aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises. The results of the study revealed that the tele-exercise intervention improved participants’ body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (6 min walk test) (p < 0.001) and muscle function (sit to stand (p < 0.01), sit ups (p < 0.001) and push-ups (p < 0.001)). Beneficial effects were also observed on perceived anxiety (Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale) (p < 0.001), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (PCL-C) (p < 0.01), self-reported fatigue (p < 0.001), quality of life (QoL) (p < 0.05) and physical (p < 0.05), cognitive (p < 0.01) and emotional (p < 0.05) functioning (EORTQ-QLQ-C30). Our findings suggest that common cancer- and treatment-related adverse effects on physical performance, mental health and the overall QoL can be ameliorated through tele-exercise training programs in BCa survivors.

Effect of resistance exercise on physical fitness, quality of life, and fatigue in patients with cancer: a systematic review

“…A total of 48 studies were conducted, involving 3,843 subjects from different countries and regions. Of the 48 studies, 13 were from the United States ( 25 , 31 , 34 – 36 , 39 , 54 , 57 – 60 , 62 , 66 ), 9 were from Denmark ( 42 , 47 , 64 , 65 , 69 , 70 , 72 – 74 ), 5 were from China ( 26 , 28 , 48 , 50 , 63 ), 3 were from Australia ( 27 , 29 , 56 ), 3 were from Canada ( 44 , 45 , 71 ), 3 were from Germany ( 37 , 40 , 55 ), 2 were from Belgium ( 30 , 43 ), 2 were from the Netherlands ( 51 , 61 ), 2 were from Norway ( 46 , 53 ), 2 were from Spain ( 38 , 52 ), 1 was from Greece ( 68 ), 1 was from Korea ( 49 ), 1 was from Turkey ( 67 ), and 1 was from Brazil ( 41 ).…”

Unraveling the “golden ratio”: a pilot study investigating acute-to-chronic workload ratio in breast cancer patients undergoing active treatment

“…Exercise training also can potentially affect QoL in a manner specific to the cancer site, though this connection remains uncertain ( Furmaniak et al, 2016 ). In a recent study on Greek breast cancer survivors, QoL measured through EORTC-QLQ-C30 improved after an 8-week home-based tele-exercise program ( Andrioti et al, 2023 ). However, active treatment leads to deterioration of QoL aspects ( Zamel et al, 2021 ), so just maintaining a steady state in these patients and preventing unfavorable treatment effects might also be considered beneficial.…”

“…Different aerobic and resistance training combinations have been applied in breast cancer patients reducing fatigue and improving QoL and sleep quality and quantity ( Schutz et al, 2021 ). Moreover, clear evidence in breast cancer survivors indicates a positive effect of exercise on CRF ( Matsuoka et al, 2021 ; Andrioti et al, 2023 ). However, the dose-response potential of exercise prescription in breast cancer patients remains unclear ( Bellissimo Moriah et al, 2023 ).…”

Humanistic Health Management and Cancer: Associations of Psychology, Nutrition, and Exercise with Cancer Progression and Pathogenesis

“…Studies have shown that long‐term adherence to aerobic exercise can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, while also reducing the risk of cancer. [ 109 ] Additionally, some studies have found that exercise can promote apoptosis and autophagy of tumor cells, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. [ 110 ] In summary, psychology, nutrition, and exercise regulate tumor development through various mechanisms and signaling pathways.…”