Training-related improvements in musculoskeletal health and balance: a 13-week pilot study of female cancer survivors

Abstract

Cancer survivors often experience poor post-treatment musculoskeletal health. This study examined the feasibility of combined aerobic and resistant training (CART) for improving strength, skeletal health and balance. Cancer survivors (n = 24) were identified by convenience sampling in Los Angeles County with 11 survivors consenting to 13 weeks of CART. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of bone mineral density (BMD), strength, flexibility and biomarker analysis were performed. Paired t-test analysis suggested increases in lower and upper body strength. The average T-score for BMD at the femoral neck improved from -1.46 to -1.36 and whole body BMD improved from -1.65 to -1.55. From baseline to follow-up, participants also displayed decreases in sway velocity on the eyes open (7%) and eyes closed (27%) conditions. Improvement in lower body strength was associated with increases in lean body mass (LBM) (r = 0.721) and an inverse association was observed between sway velocity and LBM (r = 0.838). Age and time since last treatment were related with biomarkers of anabolic growth (IGF-1, IGFbp-3) and bone (DPD, BAP). In summary, observed physiological changes were consistent with functional improvements, suggesting that isometric and dynamic exercise prescription may reduce the risk for falls and fall-related fractures among survivors.

Differences in Balance Function Between Cancer Survivors and Healthy Subjects: A Pilot Study

“…These results showed that cancer survivors have impaired body sway function, but it has also been demonstrated that cancer survivors can improve sway velocity in both the eyes open and closed conditions after 13 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training exercise. 21 Our study suggests that it may be necessary to assess balance function, including TUG time and body sway parameters using a force platform, in order to identify potential loss of balance function in cancer survivors.…”

In our March 2017 issue of EJCC …

“…Exercise generally has a positive effect on important cancer outcomes including fatigue, urinary incontinence, lymphedema, polyneuropathy, arthralgia, and androgen deprivation related toxicities (Baumann et al, 2015). Almstedt et al (2017) explore dynamic exercise prescription combining aerobic and resistance training, and conclude these kinds of interventions may reduce the risk for falls and fall-related fractures among survivors. Chiu, Hsieh, and Tsai (2017) have conducted a systematic review and concluded that acupuncture has promise as part of a multimodal approach for reducing cancer-related pain.…”

“…Almstedt et al. () explore dynamic exercise prescription combining aerobic and resistance training, and conclude these kinds of interventions may reduce the risk for falls and fall‐related fractures among survivors.…”

Exercise with blood flow restriction: an effective alternative for the non‐pharmaceutical treatment for muscle wasting

“…muscle hypertrophy) in many patients. [18][19][20] However, moderate to high intensity RT may not be suitable for physically frail patients due to the significant cardiorespiratory stress [21][22][23] or after joint surgery due to the high mechanical load. 24 In this regard, alternative therapeutic approaches that may induce lower cardiovascular stress and joint load, while counteracting muscle wasting, in physically frail patients should be considered.…”