Effect of Physical Training Program on the Exercise Adherence for Breast Cancer Survivor

Summary

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, with survival rates steadily improving due to advances in early detection and treatment. Despite these improvements, survivors frequently experience long-term side effects such as fatigue, reduced physical function, osteosarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and bone density), and diminished quality of life (QOL). These sequelae often lead to loss of independence, increased frailty, and reduced participation in daily activities. Physical activity, particularly structured and supervised programs, has been shown to mitigate many of these effects. Concurrent training, which combines strength, cardiovascular, and neuromotor exercise, provides a comprehensive approach that targets muscle mass, bone health, and functional mobility. However, adherence to regular physical activity in this population remains low, with most survivors not achieving recommended levels of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week supervised concurrent training program in breast cancer survivors. The program includes 12 supervised sessions designed to improve exercise adherence, physical activity levels, and QOL. The intervention is compared with a control group that receives only a health education session. Outcomes include QOL assessed by the FACT-B questionnaire, physical activity levels measured by the GPAQ, sedentary time, functional fitness, anthropometry, and patient satisfaction. The study is expected to provide evidence that a short-term supervised concurrent training program can improve emotional well-being, preserve QOL, and increase adherence to physical activity in breast cancer survivors.

Conditions

• Breast Cancer Stage I
• Breast Cancer Stage II
• Breast Cancer Stage III
• Breast Cancer Stage IIIA

Interventions

OTHER

concurrent

The concurrent training program is divided into three types of training: endurance, cardiovascular and neuromotor. Resistance training sessions were performed in a circuit format with \>30" rest periods between exercises. The volume of work ranged from 8 to 12 repetitions at 60% of the estimated 1 maximum repetition (RM). The cardiovascular work time per session ranged from 25-50 min depending on the intensity of the exercise and the intensity was regulated according to the maximum heart rate (FHR) estimated for each subject between 60-75% The neuromotor training intensity of the sessions was low. The participants wore a heart rate monitor and were instructed not to exceed 60% of their HRF

BEHAVIORAL

Health Education Session

Single formative session on healthy lifestyle and nutrition provided to both groups. Control group received only this session without concurrent training.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología

  collaborator OTHER

• Fundación Trinidad Alfonso

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Universidad de Burgos

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, PhD · Universidad de Burgos

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-06-11

Primary Completion

2019-04-08

Completion

2019-07-19

Countries

• Spain

Study Locations