Tai Chi Chuan for breast cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
Treatment for breast cancer produces side effects that diminish functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) among survivors. Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a moderate form of exercise that may improve functional capacity and QOL in these individuals. Women who completed treatment for breast cancer were randomized to receive TCC or psychosocial support therapy for 12 weeks (60 min; three times weekly).


RESULTS
The TCC group demonstrated significant improvements in functional capacity, including aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility, as well as QOL; the psychosocial support therapy group showed significant improvements only in flexibility, with declines in aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and QOL.


CONCLUSIONS
The TCC group exhibited significant improvements in functional capacity and QOL. These data suggest that TCC may enhance functional capacity and QOL among breast cancer survivors.
Mustian
Karen M
KM
Behavioral Medicine Unit, Department of Radiation Oncology, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, N.Y., USA.
Palesh
Oxana G
OG
Flecksteiner
Stephanie A
SA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D026302:Tai Ji