Effect of Multi-component Exercise Program on Functional Performance in Breast Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND

Breast surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) may cause long-term side effects such as decreased muscle strength, pulmonary function, cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF), altered body fat distribution and poor sleep quality. These short- and long-term repercussions have an enormous effect on physical functioning in this population. The goal of this research was to determine the effect of a multi-component exercise program on functional performance in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

In this research, 132 women with breast cancer were selected based on specific inclusion criteria. Participants were separated in a pair of two groups: the control group, which participated in breast cancer support group therapy, and the experimental group, which engaged in a multi-component exercise program. Each group consisted of 66 participants. The study assessed functional performance using a 12-minute walk test and a sit-to-stand test. Over a year, the breast cancer support group and the multi-component fitness program were implemented. Pre- and post-assessments were used to determine the effectiveness of the multi-component workout program. Statistical evaluation was executed utilizing SPSS statistical software (version 26.0 for Windows; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, USA) to obtain the results.

RESULTS

The study findings indicate significant improvements in functional performance for the experimental group. Specifically, the sit-to-stand test showed extremely significant results (p-value of 0.0002), and the 12-minute walk test also demonstrated significance (p-value of 0.008). These positive outcomes highlight the effect of the multi-component exercise program in enhancing physical performance in breast cancer survivors.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that both of the control group as well as the experimental group exhibited impaired functional performance in measures of outcome including 12-minute walk tests well as sit-to-stand test before the intervention. However, the multi-component exercise program had a notable positive impact on muscle performance among breast cancer survivors.