title: UW WELL-FIT: the impact of supervised exercise programs on physical capacity and quality of life in individuals receiving treatment for cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to report physical function and quality of life data collected from cancer patients who participated in a supervised exercise intervention at the UW WELL-FIT program over 5 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five hundred seventy-five participants from 18 to 84 years of age (mean, 54 years) were assessed and enrolled in the 24-session program while currently receiving treatment for cancer. Twice weekly, they participated in aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching exercises for 1 h each time. Pre- and post-assessments were performed to document changes in physical function, while the short form-36 (SF-36) survey assessed changes in quality of life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three hundred eighty-six participants completed the program, while 171 withdrew at some point over the 24 sessions. Pre- and post-cardiovascular assessments were performed on 305 (78.4%) participants. There was a significant increase in the maximum work rate attained and significant decreases in heart rate response, systolic blood pressure and rate of perceived exertion at the submaximal level (p < 0.01). The summary component scales of SF-36 (physical and mental) were significantly improved as well as all eight subscales (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data collected from this program indicate that a comprehensive physical activity program involving cardiovascular exercise, resistance training and flexibility can significantly improve physical function and various quality of life indices for individuals undergoing treatment for cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W., Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada. uwfitness@uwaterloo.ca
authors.forename: Madeleine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noble
authors.forename: Caryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kraemer
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sharratt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult