Do Yoga and Aerobic Exercise Training Have Impact on Functional Capacity, Fatigue, Peripheral Muscle Strength, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors?


Author: Vardar Yağlı N1, Şener G2, Arıkan H2, Sağlam M2, İnal İnce D2, Savcı S3, Çalık Kutukcu E2, Altundağ K4, Kaya EB5, Kutluk T6, Özışık Y4.

Affiliation: 1Hacettepe University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabiltation, Ankara, Turkey naciyevardar@yahoo.com. 2Hacettepe University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabiltation, Ankara, Turkey. 3Dokuz Eylul University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, İzmir, Turkey. 4Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara, Turkey. 5Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey. 6Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Ankara, Turkey.
Conference/Journal: Integr Cancer Ther.
Date published: 2015 Jan 6
Other:
  Word Count: 256  
    Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of aerobic exercise training and yoga on the functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, quality of life (QOL), and fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Material and methods. A total of 52 patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: aerobic exercise (n = 28) and yoga added to aerobic exercise (n = 24). Both groups participated in submaximal exercise 30 minutes/d, 3 d/wk for 6 weeks. The second group participated in a 1-hour yoga program in addition to aerobic exercise training. Functional capacity was assessed by the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Peripheral muscle strength was evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. The fatigue severity level was assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The QOL was determined by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results. There were statistically significant increases in peripheral muscle strength, the 6MWT distance, and the perception of QOL in both groups (P < .05). Additionally, the group with aerobic exercise and yoga showed marked improvement compared with the aerobic exercise group in fatigue perception (P < .05). Conclusion. According to the data from this study, aerobic exercise training and yoga improved the functional capacity and QOL of breast cancer patients. Aerobic exercise programs can be supported by body mind techniques, such as yoga, in the rehabilitation of cancer patients for improving functional recovery and psychosocial wellness.

© The Author(s) 2015.

KEYWORDS:

aerobic exercise training; breast cancer; functional capacity; quality of life; yoga

PMID: 25567329