Work

Effect of Strength Training on Body Composition, Volumetrics and Strength in Female Breast Cancer Survivors

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Aims: This cross-sectional study investigates body composition and strength in fe-male breast cancer survivors, focusing on the effects of radical mastectomy and the presence of upper extremity lymphoedema. The main objective was to understand body composition, vo-lumetry and strength, as well as response to strength training in female breast cancer survivors. Methods: Twenty-three women with radical mastectomy were assessed by measuring body composition (weight, water percentage, fat, muscle and lean mass), maximal strength, perimeters and brachial volumes. Participants completed a 10-week strength training programme. No sig-nificant differences were found between the affected/healthy hemispheres in terms of composition, perimeters and volumetrics. However, 11 women were found to have lymphoedema (47.8%). No statistically significant differences were found between hemibodies after the intervention, alt-hough improvements were obtained in pectoral strength and manual grip, as well as in muscle mass, lean mass [p=0.002 each]. Cases with lymphoedema were reduced to 5 (21.73%). Conclusions: While strength training is shown to benefit body composition, strength and incidence of lym-phoedema in mastectomised women, further scientific evidence is needed with larger controlled trials and follow-up studies to validate these findings, as well as the impact on the quality of life of these survivors.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13010029