TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Bidoglio, Franco
AU  -  Canepari, Monica
AU  -  De Simone, Alessia
AU  -  Longa, Emanuela
AU  -  Poerio, Carmine S.
AU  -  Ceccaroli, Matteo
AU  -  Asta, Alessandro
AU  -  Pizzorni, Anna
AU  -  Bocci, Chiara
AU  -  Ivaldi, Giovanni
AU  -  Corsi, Fabio
AU  -  Bottinelli, Roberto
AU  -  Gualea, Maria R.
T1  -  Exercise therapy in breast cancer patients: effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life
PY  -  2024
Y1  -  2024-09-01
DO  -  10.23736/S0025-7826.24.04464-8
JO  -  Medicina dello Sport
JA  -  Med Sport
VL  -  77
IS  -  3
SP  -  390
EP  -  402
PB  -  Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
SN  -  1827-1863
Y2  -  2026/04/04
UR  -  http://dx.doi.org/10.23736/S0025-7826.24.04464-8
N2  -  BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy amongst females. Physical activity acts as an excellent preventative therapy and plays a role in maintaining a good quality of life by reducing the incidences of comorbidity and tumor reoccurrences, as well as alleviating the side effects of pharmacological and radiation therapies. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of physical activity in improving quality of life and aerobic capacity in patients treated for breast cancer. METHODS: From May 2012 to May 2017, 140 patients treated for breast cancer were recruited on a voluntary basis. After the first consultation, 74 patients were evaluated at three months and 41 at nine months. A non-monitored individualized exercise protocol was prescribed according to the American College of Sport Medicine’s guidelines (ACSM). Anthropometric analysis, VO2 peak test with ECG monitoring and the presence of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) were assessed. RESULTS: In the 41 subjects followed for 9 months, no statistical differences were found in BMI and body composition. The VO2 peak value was noted to increase significantly in 24 subjects between the ages of 36 and 58, while in 17 patients over 58 years old the increase was not significant. MUS showed a downward trend over 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that even a non-monitored physical exercise has positive effects on cardiopulmonary system and psychophysical well-being. A regular physical exercise maintained for at least 3 months is able to improve cardiovascular function.
ER  -