The effect of resistance training on markers of immune function and inflammation in previously sedentary women recovering from breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effects of resistance training (RT) on markers of inflammation and immune function in breast cancer survivors. Thirty-nine breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to a RT (n = 20) or control (n = 19) group. RT performed supervized exercise three times per week. Natural killer cell (NK) and natural killer T-cell (NKT) function, and markers of inflammation (serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP) were measured before and after training. Changes in NK and NKT cell function were analyzed using ANCOVA, with the change score the dependent variable, and the baseline value of the same variable the covariate. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated via partial eta-squared. We found a significant reduction, and large associated ESs, in the RT group compared to the control group for change in NK cell expression of TNF-α (p = 0.005, ES = 0.21) and NKT cell expression of TNF-α (p = 0.04, ES = 0.12). No differences were observed in any serum marker. Significant improvements in all measurements of strength were found in RT compared to control (p < 0.001; large ESs ranging from 0.32 to 0.51). These data demonstrate that RT has a beneficial effect on the NK and NKT cell expression of TNF-α indicating that RT may be beneficial in improving the inflammatory profile in breast cancer survivors.

The Effect of Resistance Training on Telomere Length in Women Recovering from Breast Cancer

“…Primary findings from this trial relating to immunological outcomes, muscular strength, quality of life, and fatigue have been previously reported [14,17,18]. Outcome measures were collected at week 0 and 17.…”

“…This parallel-arm randomised controlled clinical trial was designed around primary immunological outcomes [14] comparing breast cancer survivors assigned to a 16 week RT group (n = 19) with those assigned to a usual care control group (n = 14). Primary findings from this trial relating to immunological outcomes, muscular strength, quality of life, and fatigue have been previously reported [14,17,18].…”

“…This study was a post hoc analysis examining the effect of RT on telomere length in this cohort of women. The recruitment of participants, eligibility, exclusion criteria, and randomisation are described elsewhere [14,17,18]. To participate in the initial study, participants must have had a history of histologically confirmed stage I to IIIA breast cancer with no evidence of recurrent disease; age 18-70 years; completed surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy; and sedentary (<30 min of structured, continuous moderate-intensity exercise, three times per week, and no current resistance training).…”

“…As methods and findings relating to the testing and training of muscular strength have been previously published [14,17,18] we have not included the details here. These outcomes were used for correlational purposes only.…”

“…Resistance training has grown in popularity in recent years due to its ability to improve a variety of factors (e.g., inflammatory markers [14], muscular strength, endurance, and range of motion [15,16]). Therefore, as part of a randomised controlled trial designed around immunological outcomes, this study aimed to examine the effect of resistance training on leukocyte telomere length in a cohort of breast cancer survivors.…”