Effects of combined supervised intermittent aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs on cardiorespiratory responses in women with breast cancer.

Background: The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of supervised combined intermittent aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs on cardiorespiratory fitness in women with breast cancer during adjuvant chemotherapy treatment.

Methods: Thirty-two women with breast cancer undertaking adjuvant chemotherapy participated in the study (trained group n=20 and control group n=12). The trained group carried out 6weeks of supervised intermittent cycling aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs. The self-selected walking speed (WS), walking distance covered (WD), heart rate (rHR), blood lactate ([La]b) concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed in the two groups during the 6-min walking test before and after the training period.

Results: Compared to controls, a significant increase in the WS (P<0.01) and the WD (P<0.01) accompanied by a significant decrease in resting rHR (P<0.01), exercising HR6' (P<0.01), [La]b (P<0.05), HR6'/WS (P<0.01) and [La]b/WS ratios (P<0.01) was reported in the trained group. However, a significant decrease both in WD (P<0.01) and WS (P<0.01) has been observed in the controls. No significant difference was observed in resting HR, exercising HR6', [La]b, HR6'/WS, and [La]b/WS ratios were observed in the control group. A significant improvement was observed for RPE in training group (P<0.05). However, no difference was shown in controls.

Conclusion: Combined training based on intermittent aerobic exercise, muscle strength and walking improve cardiorespiratory responses and reduce the perception of fatigue in women with breast cancer.