A Feasibility Study Related To Inactive Cancer Survivors Compared with Non-Cancer Controls during Aerobic Exercise...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cancer Rehabilitation

Background:

• Cancer survivors often experience cardiorespiratory and metabolic alterations due to treatment.
• Adaptability to aerobic exercise training in cancer survivors compared to non-cancer individuals requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological responses and exercise training adaptations between cancer survivors (CA) and non-cancer participants (NC) following an 8-week aerobic training program.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-seven sedentary participants (14 CA, 23 NC) underwent a low-to-moderate intensity, 8-week aerobic training program.
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 8 weeks to assess VO2peak, ventilatory threshold (VT), and other physiological markers.
• Participants exercised 3 times per week at 80-90% of VT for approximately 40 minutes per session.

Main Results:

• Non-cancer participants initially exhibited higher VO2peak, time of fatigue (TOF), and maximal heart rate (HRmax) at baseline and up to 6 weeks.
• No significant differences in VO2peak, TOF, or HRmax were observed between groups at 8 weeks.
• Cancer survivors showed significant improvements in submaximal and maximal exercise capacity, with no altered adaptability compared to the non-cancer group.

Conclusions:

• Eight weeks of progressive, low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise training significantly improves exercise capacity in cancer survivors.
• Cancer survivors demonstrate adaptability to aerobic training comparable to non-cancer individuals.
• Clinicians should consider using CPET-derived submaximal threshold concepts for precise aerobic exercise prescription in cancer survivors, with initial low/moderate intensity and duration, followed by progressive increases.