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 6 weeks 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.