title: Evaluation of a Community-Based Exercise Program for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exercise is important during treatment for breast cancer to alleviate the usual declines in physical and emotional health and overall health-related quality of life (HRQL).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the effectiveness, safety, and enjoyment of a community exercise program for breast cancer patients who were currently undergoing or within 3 months of completing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Breast cancer patients Engaging in Activity while Undergoing Treatment (BEAUTY) is a 12-week program of resistance, aerobic, and flexibility exercise. Participants completed pre and post fitness assessments, and questionnaires to measure HRQL, fatigue, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms. Participants had access to group exercise classes and were provided a home-based exercise program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants (n = 80) were middle aged (mean age, 50.3 [SD, 9.0] years), and the majority were diagnosed with stage II breast cancer (53.8%). From baseline to 12 weeks, resting heart rate (mean [INCREMENT], +4.15 beats/min) and body mass index increased slightly (mean [INCREMENT], +0.47 kg/m). No clinically significant changes in HRQL or other psychosocial questionnaires, but social well-being decreased (t77 = 3.83, P = .000) slightly, and emotional well-being improved (t77 = -2.15, P = .034). Participants attended an average of 7.5 (SD, 6.5) classes; feedback about the program was positive, and no exercise-related injuries were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The BEAUTY program was feasible and effective in managing chemotherapy and radiation treatment-related declines in physical fitness and HRQL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study supports the need to integrate exercise programming as part of treatment plans for breast cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: Faculty of Kinesiology (Drs Leach and Culos-Reed and Mss Danyluk and Nishimura), Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (Dr Culos-Reed), University of Calgary, Alberta; and Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services (Dr Culos-Reed), Canada.
authors.forename: Heather J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Leach
authors.forename: Jessica M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Danyluk
authors.forename: Kathryn C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Nishimura
authors.forename: S Nicole
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Culos-Reed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003153:Community Health Services; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult