Exercise-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Program Improves Phase Angle in Breast Cancer Survivors

Phase angle (PhA) is an index of cell membrane integrity and prognostic indicator of survival and quality of life in cancer survivors. The efficacy of exercise-based cancer rehabilitation programs (ExCR) on PhA is unknown. To assess the effect of ExCR on PhA in breast cancer survivors. Fifty-nine female breast cancer survivors (61 ± 9 years) were referred to the ExCR by their oncologist and participated in one-on-one exercise-based training for 90 minutes, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks. Training sessions included 45 minutes of resistance training at intensities between 40-85% of 1-repetition maximum with a rate of perceived exertion (RPE) between 3-8, 30 minutes of cardiorespiratory training at intensities between 40-85% of heart rate reserve with an RPE between 3-8, and 15 minutes of flexibility training. Participants completed pre- and post-measurements of body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and PhA (Inbody 770). PhA significantly increased (p < 0.05) after ExCR (PhA_pre = 4.56; PhA_post = 4.64; Δ = 1.8%). Changes in measures of muscular strength have a weak but significant positive relationship (r = 0.20-0.39; p < 0.05) with changes in PhA. There was no relationship between changes in PhA and changes in cardiorespiratory endurance or muscular endurance. A 12-week ExCR significantly improves PhA in breast cancer survivors. Training muscular strength may be an integral component of ExCR with the objective of improving PhA.