Circuit Weight Training Enhances Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized...

This study was intended to explore the effectiveness of Circuit Weight Training (CWT) on quality of Life, balance, strength, and functional Capacity in female breast cancer patients.

Fifty female post-mastectomy patients, aged 35 to 50 years, were recruited. They were randomly split into two equal groups: a control group and a study group. Both groups participated in a standardized physiotherapy program thrice weekly for eight weeks, focusing on shoulder mobility exercises under expert supervision. In addition, Group A (study group, n = 25) performed a Circuit Weight Training (CWT) protocol alongside physiotherapy, consisting of two exercise circuits per session with functional and aerobic components, conducted at moderate intensity. Group B (control group, n = 25) received the physiotherapy program without the CWT component. Outcome measures included muscle strength (measured via a Handheld Dynamometer), postural stability and limits of stability (assessed using the BIODEX Balance System SD), functional capacity (evaluated with the 2-Minute Step Test), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (assessed via the 12-item Short Form Survey).

The study group indicated statistically significant improvements in muscle strength: 14.98% (middle and lower trapezius), 17.37% (teres major), 19.79% (latissimus dorsi), 13.63% (quadriceps), 15.59% (hamstrings), 19.63% (gluteus maximus), 14.60% (gluteus medius), 14.95% (dorsiflexors), and 12.87% (plantar flexors) (P = 0.001). Improvements were also observed in balance parameters: limits of stability (38.18%), postural stability (47.69%), and single-leg stance (49.67%) (P = 0.001). Functional capacity increased by 36.50% (P = 0.001). Additionally, significant improvements in HRQoL were recorded: 49.82% in the mental section and 50.33% in the physical section of SF-12 (P = 0.001).

Circuit Weight Training significantly enhances postural stability, muscle strength, functional capacity, and HRQoL in postmastectomy breast cancer patients. These findings underscore the value of incorporating structured exercise programs into oncology rehabilitation protocols.