Journal article
EXERT-BCN: An Exercise Regimen Designed to Improve Body Composition, Functional Capacity, and Strength After Treatment for Breast Cancer With Nutrition Optimization
JCO oncology practice, OP2400954
07 May 2025
PMID: 40334185
Abstract
Effective methods to improve body composition and metabolic/hormonal dysregulation are central to breast cancer care. We hypothesized that a nutrition regimen focused on food quality and an observed exercise regimen using high-load resistance training during or after cancer treatment would improve body composition and functional capacity.
Forty-four women with breast cancer, including survivors on therapy and in surveillance, excluding chemotherapy, underwent a continuously monitored dose-escalated exercise regimen utilizing heavy weights and linear progression in an exercise oncology facility along with a diet focused on food quality and adequate protein intake. Dietary strategy was discussed during each exercise session and twice monthly meetings. Pre- and post-workout assessment of body composition, functional mobility, balance, activity levels, and quality of life were compared via paired
-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Forty-four women completed the protocol, with a median age of 54 years and BMI of 30.3. Most participants reported cancer-related symptoms (79.5%). Across compound exercises, composite load lifted increased by 36.5% (
< .001) and bilateral Y-balance scores increased 18% (
< .001). A 6.6% reduction in body fat was observed (1.8 kg;
< .001) alongside a 1.4% increase in muscle mass (0.5 kg;
= .003). Resting metabolic rate increased by 0.8% (
= .018). Significant improvements were uniformly demonstrated across quality-of-life scores (European Quality of Life 5-Dimension Score, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 Depression Scale, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 questionnaires).
A 3-month regimen of nutrition counseling and high-intensity resistance training promoted significant muscle mass gain and adipose tissue loss, alongside significant improvements across body composition, strength, mobility, and functional status, and patient-reported quality of life.
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Details
- Title
- EXERT-BCN: An Exercise Regimen Designed to Improve Body Composition, Functional Capacity, and Strength After Treatment for Breast Cancer With Nutrition Optimization
- Creators
- David J Carpenter - Department of Radiation Oncology, WellStar Paulding Medical Center, Hiram, GAChristie Hilton - Allegheny Health NetworkSuzanne B Coopey - Allegheny Health NetworkJanette Gomez - Allegheny Health NetworkJared Rosenberg - Syracuse UniversitySushil Beriwal - Allegheny Health NetworkParker N Hyde - University of North GeorgiaColin E Champ - Allegheny Health Network
- Publication Details
- JCO oncology practice, OP2400954
- Publisher
- ASCO Publications
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Radiation Oncology (and Nuclear Medicine)
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105005437815
- Other Identifier
- 991022052250204721