Synchronized Pedaling with Martial Arts Improves Quality of Life of Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Physical exercise improves the physical condition of women who have been operated from breast cancer. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a new program that combines both aerobic and anaerobic exercise in women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. The sample consisted of 56 women who had previously gone through breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection and who had been treated with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. The programme lasted for 12 weeks. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups; a study group (28 patients) in which patients carried out a synchronized pedalling with martial arts routine of 2 sessions per week and a control group (22 patients) in which they went on with their previous treatment. A significant improvement was demonstrated in patients belonging to the study group, with an increase in muscle mass percentage, quadriceps and right hand strength, and ergometric values (maximum Oxygen consumption and max power -to-weight ratio) and a decrease in fat mass percentage. A controlled training system like synchronized pedalling with martial arts which combines aerobic and strength exercises is suitable for improving the physical condition of these patients.