Effects of a Short-Term Supervised Exercise Program in Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Due to their high toxicity, cancer treatments produce multiple sequelae, including fatigue, which has a great impact on quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy on quality of life, fatigue, and functional capacity of a short-term exercise program combining aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching for 6 weeks in cancer patients. Methods: The design of the study was quasi-experimental, which included a group of 30 women who were receiving or had received in the last year chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal treatment. The exercise supervised program with vigorous intensity lasted for six weeks and consisted of three distinct blocks: aerobic exercise (25 min), resistance training (20 min), and stretching exercises (15 min). Before and after starting the exercise program quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire), functional capacity [6 min Walking Test (6MWT), Handgrip Test (HGT), 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (30s-STST)], and fatigue (FACIT-F questionnaire) were measured. Results: In the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire significantly higher scores were observed in the global health status scale (p < 0.05), as well as in the functional scale in the role functioning, emotional functioning, and cognitive functioning items (p < 0.05), indicating a higher quality of life and overall health level. There was also a reduction in fatigue (p < 0.05), obtaining higher scores on the FACIT-F questionnaire after the exercise program. Additionally significant improvements are observed in 6MWT, HGT, and 30s-STST following the implementation of the exercise program (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A 6-week exercise protocol, with a vigorous intensity, including resistance training, endurance, and stretching exercises can produce significant improvements in quality of life and reduction in fatigue, as well as improve muscle strength and functional capacity.