Change in quality of life among breast cancer survivors after resistance training: is there an effect of age?

J Aging Phys Act. 2014 Apr;22(2):178-85. doi: 10.1123/japa.2012-0227. Epub 2013 Apr 9.

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of age on quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors after resistance training, 20 women were assigned to 1 of 2 groups based on age (YRT 40-59 yr, ORT 60-80 yr). Both groups completed 3 sets of 8 exercises twice a week for 8 wk. Measurements were obtained before and after the training program. QOL was measured using the Body Image and Relationship Scale (BIRS). Both groups improved in chest press (p < .001), leg press (p < .001), arm curls (p < .05), and chair stands (p < .001). For QOL, YRT reported greater improvements compared with ORT in BIRS total score (Group × Time interaction, p = .002) and strength and health subscale score (Group × Time interaction, p = .001), and greater age was related to greater perceived impairment (BIRS total: r = .61, p = .004; strength and health subscale: r = .69, p = .001). Despite significant improvements in strength and function, older women perceived relatively little improvement in QOL compared with younger women, and age had a differential negative influence on improvements in QOL.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Arm / physiopathology
  • Body Image / psychology
  • Breast Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Strength
  • Physical Fitness
  • Quality of Life*
  • Recovery of Function* / physiology
  • Resistance Training*
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Treatment Outcome