Fatigue And Quality Of Life: The Role Of 6-month Rowing In Breast Cancer Survivors

Several studies show the health benefits of physical activity (PA) in cancer patients: reduced fatigue and improved quality of life (QoL) and physical function1,2. Rowing has been shown to be an adapted physical activity (APA) that improves the sequelae of the disease in breast cancer (BC) survivors3 and to have an impact on their psychological well being4.\r\n\r\nPURPOSE: To test the benefits of an integrated PA program, including recreational sculling form, on fatigue, QoL and physical activity level (PAL) in patients with BC.\r\n\r\nMETHODS: The project Effect and efficacy of Rowing in breast Cancer survivors/The Same Boat (ERICE/TSB) involved 20 BC survivors (age: 55.8 ± 6.1 yrs; stages I, II, or III; surgery at least 6 months to a maximum of 20 years ago) who were engaged in a 6-month integrated PA program, including 3 sessions of APA or Pilates, walking and sculling form, lasting one hour each. Before (T0), during (T1) and after (T2) training program, EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-FA12 (EORTC QLQ-FA12), EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and General Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) were administered.\r\n\r\nRESULTS: No dropouts occurred during the 6-monthintervention. Results showed that physical (T0, 24.0 ± 18.8 vs T2, 23.3 ± 22.0), cognitive (T0, 14.2 ± 17.3 vs T2, 11.7 ± 21.0), and emotional fatigue (T0,22.2 ± 24.7 vs T2, 12.8 ± 17.8) decreased during the six months. A positive effect on interference with daily life (T0, 21.7 ± 22.4 vs T2, 20.0 ± 25.1) and social sequelae (T0, 25.0 ± 21.3 vs T2, 15.0 ± 27.5) was observed. There was likewise an improvement in QoL (T0, 65.0 ± 21.2 vs T2, 75.4 ± 20.5). In addition, recreational moderate-to vigorous-intensity PA (T0, 297 ± 351 vs T2, 354 ± 262 min/wk) were enhanced with a decrease in sedentary time (T0, 279 ± 153 vs T2, 240 ± 143 min/day). No significant differences have occurred in any of the analyzed data.\r\n\r\nCONCLUSION: A 6-month integrated PA program had an impact on fatigue in women who have had BC and led to an improvement in QoL and PAL. Sculling form, APA or Pilates, and walking may be part of a safe and efficient training program in BC survivors.