Combined aerobic and resistance training improves physical capacity in women treated for gynecological cancer

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 16 weeks combined aerobic and resistance training, twice a week, on the physical performance in women treated for gynecological cancer.

Sixty women (56.9 ± 13.3 years) who had completed curative treatment for gynecological cancer were divided into two groups: a physical training group (PT) (n = 29) or a control group (C) (n = 31). The PT group performed two sessions of combined aerobic and resistance training weekly for 16 weeks. Peak oxygen consumption (V̇O_2peak) and one repetition maximum (1RM) of leg press, leg extension, and chest press were measured before group assignment, after 16 weeks and at the 1-year follow-up.

A significant increase in V̇O_2peak (ml min^-1 kg^-1) (29.7 ± 8.0 vs. 31.3 ± 8.3, p = .009), leg press (kg) (113.0 ± 27.3 vs. 116.7 ± 29.2, p = .047), leg extension (kg) (44.2 ± 10.1 vs. 48.0 ± 10.6, p < .001), and chest press (kg) (24.5 ± 7.5 vs. 26.9 ± 8.2, p = .001) was seen in the PT group from pre- to post-measurement. The PT group maintained the improved aerobic condition and muscle strength 1 year after the training intervention. In the C group, there were no significant differences between pre- and post-measurements, but a significant decrease (28.2 ± 7.5 vs. 27.0 ± 7.3, p = .040) in the V̇O_2peak from post to 1-year follow-up measurements.

Combined aerobic and resistance training twice a week in 16 weeks improves V̇O_2peak and maximal strength in women treated for gynecological cancer. The training effects were sustained after 1 year in the PT group.