Effects of combined supervised intermittent aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs on cardiorespiratory responses in women with breast cancer

Summary Background The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of supervised combined intermittent aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs on cardiorespiratory fitness in women with breast cancer during adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Methods Thirty-two women with breast cancer undertaking adjuvant chemotherapy participated in the study (trained group n  = 20 and control group n  = 12). The trained group carried out 6 weeks of supervised intermittent cycling aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs. The self-selected walking speed (WS), walking distance covered (WD), heart rate (rHR), blood lactate ([La]b) concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed in the two groups during the 6-min walking test before and after the training period. Results Compared to controls, a significant increase in the WS ( P P P P P P P P P P Conclusion Combined training based on intermittent aerobic exercise, muscle strength and walking improve cardiorespiratory responses and reduce the perception of fatigue in women with breast cancer.