The effects of exercise training on maximum aerobic capacity, resting heart rate, blood pressure and anthropometric variables of postmenopausal women with breast cancer

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on maximum aerobic capacity, resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure and anthropometric variables of postmenopausal women with breast cancer. METHODS: Twenty nine women with breast cancer who received surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy with current hormone therapy were divided into two groups; intervention and control. Subjects in the intervention group performed 15 weeks combination exercise training including walking for 25 to 45 minutes (2 sessions per week) and resistance training for 60 minutes (2 sessions per week that were different from walking days). In pre and post tests, VO(2)max, RHR, blood pressure, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured in both groups. Data was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed for VO (2)max, RHR, body weight, BMI and WHR between intervention and control groups after 15 weeks (p < 0.05). In fact, exercise training had positive effects on the VO (2)max, RHR, body weight, BMI and WHR in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. No significant different was found for blood pressure between two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that exercise training may improve maximum aerobic capacity, RHR and anthropometric variables in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.