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Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(3): 257-264
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924348
Clinical Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Detraining on the Functional Capacity of Previously Trained Breast Cancer Survivors

F. Herrero1 , 2 , A. F. San Juan1 , S. J. Fleck3 , C. Foster4 , A. Lucia1
  • 1Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  • 2Gabinete Médico Deportivo del Ayuntamiento de Miranda de Ebro, Burgos, Spain
  • 3Sport Science Department, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
  • 4Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, La Crosse, WI, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: April 21, 2006

Publication Date:
16 November 2006 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a relatively short (8-weeks) period of detraining on cardiorespiratory capacity, dynamic strength endurance, task specific functional muscle capacity and quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors who had previously undergone a combined supervised (aerobic and resistance) training program. Eleven women survivors of stage I - II ductal breast carcinoma (47 ± 7 yrs) entered the study and performed a battery of tests (including anthropometric evaluation, a graded cycle ergometer test, tests of strength endurance [leg and bench press] and the sit-stand test) and completed a specific QOL questionnaire (EORTC‐C30) at three time points: i) before, ii) after an exercise program (including aerobic and resistance exercises) of 8-weeks duration, and iii) after a subsequent 8-weeks period of training cessation. Training-induced improvements in strength endurance, muscle functional capacity (sit-stand test) and QOL were not significantly changed after detraining (p > 0.05 for post-training vs. detraining comparisons). The lack of significant loss in muscle strength endurance occurred despite significant losses in estimated total muscle mass after detraining (27.3 ± 2.4 kg) compared with post-training (28.5 ± 2.9 kg). In contrast, cardiorespiratory capacity was significantly decreased during detraining (V·O2peak of 29.0 ± 4.6 vs. 22.7 ± 3.9 ml · kg -1 · min-1 at post-training vs. detraining, p < 0.01). In conclusion, cancer survivors who have participated in a combined training program can retain some of the training gains (particularly improved QOL and muscle strength endurance/functional performance) after a relatively short duration detraining period.

Key words

V·O2peak - exercise - disease - resistance - quality of life - sit-stand test

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MD, PhD Alejandro Lucía

Universidad Europea de Madrid

Villaviciosa de OdoŽn

28670 Madrid

Spain

Phone: + 34 9 16 64 78 00

Fax: + 34 9 16 16 82 65

Email: alejandro.lucia@uem.es