Cancer Related Fatigue and Upper Limb Disabilities Cannot Improve after 6 Weeks Resistance Training with Thera-Band in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Aim. Breast cancer and its treatments lead to cancer related fatigue and upper limb disabilities. On the other hand, resistance training has positive benefits for breast cancer survivors. Thus, the aim of present study was to clarify the effect of resistance training with Thera – Band on CRF and upper limb disabilities in breast cancer survivors. Methods. Fifty women with breast cancer aged 29-65 were divided in to 2 groups: 1) resistance training with Thera- Band group (n=25) and 2) control group (n=25). Resistance training with Thera- Band group, after 5 minutes warm up, were performed the 9 resistance training with Thera – Band, from 8 to 12 repetitions and 2 sets in the first two weeks, 8 to 12 repetitions and 3 sets in the second two weeks and 8 to 12 repetitions and 4 sets in the third two weeks. The rest between each set was started from 90 seconds in the first week and was decreased to 45 seconds in the sixth week. Control group didn’t have any supervised or regular physical activity. Cancer related fatigue (CRF) and upper limb disabilities were surveyed by Piper Fatigue Scale and DASH questionnaire, respectively.  Data were analyzed using by 2-way ANOVA (p≤0.05).  Statistical Results. The findings of this study demonstrated that 6 weeks resistance training by Thera – Band has no significant effect on CRF and upper limb disabilities (p≥0.05). Conclusion. It can be concluded that exercise training with Thera- Band for 6 weeks cannot improve CRF and upper limb disabilities in breast cancer survivors. Future studies with large sample size and long period of intervention is suggested.