Effect of Exercise on Pain and Functional Capacity in Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often cause frustrating side effects, including pronounced pain, reduced flexibility, and diminished physical strength. In a study entitled “Effect of Exercise on Pain and Functional Capacity in Breast Cancer Patients,” Reis et al. conducted a controlled trial involving 28 women aged 30-59, all of which were either undergoing treatment or clinical observation. None of these subjects had engaged in physical training for at least three months prior.

Participants were randomly assigned to a Study Group or Control Group. Study Group subjects underwent a 12-week combined training program, which included three 60-minute sessions per week of aerobics and resistance training, in addition to two flexibility sessions per week. This regimen progressed in intensity, beginning with 50-60% of target heart rate in weeks 1-4 and ramping up to 80-90% by weeks 9-12. Control Group subjects received standard hospital care throughout the duration of the study.

By the end of 12 weeks, the Study Group demonstrated significant improvements, with significant reductions in total pain points and overall pain intensity. Furthermore, the degree to which pain interfered with daily life was markedly less. Physical capacity gains were notable, too: VO₂ max increased, flexibility improved, and static muscle strength increased bilaterally. These changes were not observed in the Control Group. There were no significant differences in fatigue.

The given results emphasize the way in which structured exercise (i.e., blending aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training) can produce meaningful reductions in pain and enhance key physical fitness markers for breast cancer patients, even during active treatment.

References

Reis AD, Pereira PTVT, Diniz RR, et al. Effect of exercise on pain and functional capacity in breast cancer patients. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2018;16(1):58. Published 2018 Apr 6.

By Dr. Sydney Moffat, ND and Dr. Gurdev Parmar, ND, FABNO(USA)