Benefits of supervised group exercise programme for women being treated for early stage breast cancer: pragmatic randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine functional and psychological benefits of a 12 week supervised group exercise programme during treatment for early stage breast cancer, with six month follow-up.


METHODS
Pragmatic randomised controlled prospective open trial.


METHODS
Three National Health Service oncology clinics in Scotland and community exercise facilities.


METHODS
203 women entered the study; 177 completed the six month follow-up.


METHODS
Supervised 12 week group exercise programme in addition to usual care, compared with usual care.


METHODS
Functional assessment of cancer therapy (FACT) questionnaire, Beck depression inventory, positive and negative affect scale, body mass index, seven day recall of physical activity, 12 minute walk test, and assessment of shoulder mobility.


RESULTS
Mixed effects models with adjustment for baseline values, study site, treatment at baseline, and age gave intervention effect estimates (intervention minus control) at 12 weeks of 129 (95% confidence interval 83 to 176) for metres walked in 12 minutes, 182 (75 to 289) for minutes of moderate intensity activity reported in a week, 2.6 (1.6 to 3.7) for shoulder mobility, 2.5 (1.0 to 3.9) for breast cancer specific subscale of quality of life, and 4.0 (1.8 to 6.3) for positive mood. No significant effect was seen for general quality of life (FACT-G), which was the primary outcome. At the six month follow-up, most of these effects were maintained and an intervention effect for breast cancer specific quality of life emerged. No adverse effects were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Supervised group exercise provided functional and psychological benefit after a 12 week intervention and six months later. Clinicians should encourage activity for their patients. Policy makers should consider the inclusion of exercise opportunities in cancer rehabilitation services. Trial registration Current controlled trials ISRCTN12587864 [controlled-trials.com].
Mutrie
Nanette
N
Department of Sport, Culture and the Arts, Strathclyde University, Glasgow G13 1PP. nanette.mutrie@strath.ac.uk
Campbell
Anna M
AM
Whyte
Fiona
F
McConnachie
Alex
A
Emslie
Carol
C
Lee
Laura
L
Kearney
Nora
N
Walker
Andrew
A
Ritchie
Diana
D
D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome