title: Exercise as prescription therapy: benefits in cancer and hypertensive patients.
abstract: PURPOSE Exercise therapy in patients with metabolic chronic disease produces several positive response. This study aims to verify the effects of fast walking associated to a resistance exercise to reduce cardiovascular risk factor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two groups of subjects (10 cancer survivors and 19 hypertensive patients) were evaluated by 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT), bioimpedance, the Sit & Reach Test (S&R) evaluate the flexibility, Handgrip and 30" Chair Test for muscular strength. Patients were tested before and after 3 months of regular physical exercise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant change in anthropometric parameters was observed (BMI: T0 = 29.2±6.8, T3= 27.4±4.4 kg/m2 p<.001; waist circumference: T0=92.5±14.1, T3=92.1±12.8 cm, p<.05) in the hypertensive population. A predominant improvement of the cardiovascular parameters was observed in the cancer survivors (rest DBP T0=76.4±6.5, T3=72.2±7.1 mmhg p<.05; 6MWT: T0=487.8±116.0, T3= 525.6±117.3 m p<.05; S&R: T0= 0.4±7.4, T3=4.1±6.1 cm p<.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A combined aerobic and resistance exercise programme can improve cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive subjects. The same programme induces improvement in exercise tolerance and flexibility variables in cancer survivors.
authors: Sports Medicine Center, Florence, Italy.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Stefani
authors: Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy; and Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Health Sciences Education, Centre for Sports and Exercise, UK.
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Maffulli
authors: Sports Medicine Center, Florence, Italy.
authors: Gabriele
authors: G
authors: Mascherini
authors: Sports Medicine Center, Florence, Italy.
authors: Lorenzo
authors: L
authors: Francini
authors: Sports Medicine Center, Florence, Italy.
authors: Cristian
authors: C
authors: Petri
authors: Sports Medicine Center, Florence, Italy.
authors: Giorgio
authors: G
authors: Galanti
keywords: body composition; chronic disease; exercise therapy; life style