Changes in Physical Activity, Functional Capacity, and Cardiac Function during Breast Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Breast cancer (BC) therapy can negatively impact functional capacity and cardiac function.
• Higher physical activity (PA) is linked to better physical function and cardiac health in non-cancer populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare baseline PA, functional capacity, and cardiac function between women with and without BC.
• To determine if increased PA participation relates to improved functional capacity and cardiac function after three months of BC therapy.

Main Methods:

• 110 women with stage I-III BC and 104 controls were assessed for PA, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before and after three months of BC therapy.
• Analyses were adjusted for age, race, BMI, and medication use.

Main Results:

• BC patients showed declines in PA, 6MWD, and LVEF after three months of therapy.
• Women with BC who engaged in PA maintained higher 6MWD compared to inactive patients.
• PA participation was associated with a lower likelihood of LVEF decline or below-normal LVEF.

Conclusions:

• PA, LVEF, and 6MWD decline in early BC treatment.
• PA participation during BC therapy may mitigate declines in functional capacity and cardiac function.
• Further research is needed to understand PA barriers and facilitators during BC treatment.