Resistance training and physical capacity in breast cancer survivor women

Abstract

Little is known about the impact of resistance training (RT) on physical capacity (PC) (also termed as physical performance) in women breast cancer survivors (BCSW). Although lower muscle mass, strength and power and fatigue have been suggested as possible mediators of lower PC, it is not clear what factors contribute to lower PC in BCSW. Moreover, it is unknown whether RT may modulate such factors, resulting in an improvement in PC of BCSW. Hence, this dissertation sought to explore the relationship between RT and PC in BSCW. Two studies with different designs (cross-section and randomized clinical trial) were produced as results of this dissertation. The studies, overall, suggests that declines in muscle strength and power are important mediators of decline in PC in middle-aged BCSW. Moreover, improving muscle strength and power and fatigue by RT seems to be an effective strategy to improve PC in middle-aged BSCW.