Environmental and Physiological Factors Affect Football Head Impact Biomechanics.

PURPOSE: Recent anecdotal trends suggest a disproportionate number of head injuries in collegiate football players occur during preseason football camp. In warmer climates, this season also represents the highest risk for heat-related illness among collegiate football players. Because concussion and heat illnesses share many common symptoms, we need 1) to understand if environmental conditions, body temperature, and hydration status affect head impact biomechanics; and 2) to determine if an in-helmet thermistor could provide a valid measure of gastrointestinal temperature. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 18 Division I college football players (age, 21.1 ± 1.4 yr; height, 187.7 ± 6.6 cm; mass, 114.5 ± 23.4 kg). Data were collected during one control and three experimental sessions. During each session, the Head Impact Telemetry System recorded head impact biomechanics (linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, and severity profile) and in-helmet temperature. A wet bulb globe device recorded environmental conditions, and CorTemp™ Ingestible Core Body Temperature Sensors recorded gastrointestinal temperature. RESULTS: Our findings suggest that linear acceleration (P = 0.57), rotational acceleration (P = 0.16), and Head Impact Technology severity profile (P = 0.33) are not influenced by environmental or physiological conditions. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any single or combination of predictors for impact severity. Rotational acceleration was approaching significance between our early experimental sessions when compared with our control session. More research should be conducted to better understand if rotational accelerations are a component of impact magnitudes that are affected due to changes in environmental conditions, body temperature, and hydration status.

The Effects of a Duathlon Simulation on Ventilatory Threshold and Running Economy.

Multisport events continue to grow in popularity among recreational, amateur, and professional athletes around the world. This study aimed to determine the compounding effects of the initial run and cycling legs of an International Triathlon Union (ITU) Duathlon simulation on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), ventilatory threshold (VT) and running economy (RE) within a thermoneutral, laboratory controlled setting. Seven highly trained multisport athletes completed three trials; Trial-1 consisted of a speed only VO2max treadmill protocol (SOVO2max) to determine VO2max, VT, and RE during a single-bout run; Trial-2 consisted of a 10 km run at 98% of VT followed by an incremental VO2max test on the cycle ergometer; Trial-3 consisted of a 10 km run and 30 km cycling bout at 98% of VT followed by a speed only treadmill test to determine the compounding effects of the initial legs of a duathlon on VO2max, VT, and RE. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to determine differences between variables across trials. No difference in VO2max, VT (%VO2max), maximal HR, or maximal RPE was observed across trials. Oxygen consumption at VT was significantly lower during Trial-3 compared to Trial-1 (p = 0.01). This decrease was coupled with a significant reduction in running speed at VT (p = 0.015). A significant interaction between trial and running speed indicate that RE was significantly altered during Trial-3 compared to Trial-1 (p < 0.001). The first two legs of a laboratory based duathlon simulation negatively impact VT and RE. Our findings may provide a useful method to evaluate multisport athletes since a single-bout incremental treadmill test fails to reveal important alterations in physiological thresholds. Key pointsDecrease in relative oxygen uptake at VT (ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)) during the final leg of a duathlon simulation, compared to a single-bout maximal run.We observed a decrease in running speed at VT during the final leg of a duathlon simulation; resulting in an increase of more than 2 minutes to complete a 5 km run.During our study, highly trained athletes were unable to complete the final 5 km run at the same intensity that they completed the initial 10 km run (in a laboratory setting).A better understanding, and determination, of training loads during multisport training may help to better periodize training programs; additional research is required.

Comparison of Methods for Determining Aerobic Exercise Intensity Using Heart Rate in Acute Leukemia Patients Prior to Induction Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the gold standard of cardiopulmonary evaluation, is used to determine VO2 levels at different aerobic exercise training intensities; however, it may not be feasible to conduct CPET in all clinical settings. AIMS: To compare the heart rate reserve (HRR) and percent of 220-age methods for prescribing cycle ergometry exercise intensity using heart rate (HR) against the HRs obtained during a CPET in adults undergoing treatment for acute leukemia (AL). METHODS: In this exploratory study, part of a larger randomized controlled trial, 14 adults with AL completed CPET on a cycle ergometer with indirect calorimetry within 96 hr of admission to a cancer hospital to determine VO2peak and HR corresponding to low (40% VO2peak), moderate (60% VO2peak), and high (75% VO2peak) exercise intensities. Analyses of variance were used to compare estimated HR for each intensity level using the HRR and percent of 220-age methods with HR determined via VO2peak. RESULTS: HR corresponding to low-intensity exercise differed significantly across all three methods (p ≤ .05). No significant differences were observed between HR estimated via the percent of 220-age method and determined via VO2peak at moderate (100 ± 8 and 113 ± 24 bpm, p = .122) or high intensities (125 ± 10 and 123 ± 25 bpm, p = .994). CONCLUSION: In adults with AL, HR-based methods for defining aerobic exercise intensities should be used with caution. At low intensity, neither should be used, while at moderate and high intensities, the percent of 220-age equation might serve as an adequate substitute for CPET.

Assessing explosive power production using the backward overhead shot throw and the effects of morning resistance exercise on afternoon performance.

The purpose of this study was to determine if performing a morning total-body resistance exercise workout affects explosive power in an afternoon session. The secondary goal was to assess the usefulness of the backward overhead shot throw (BOST) as a measure of explosive power in experienced thrower in the sport of athletics. Throwers (N = 14) performed 1 control and 1 experimental trial on separate days. The control consisted of BOST and a vertical jump (VJ) testing performed in the afternoon. For the experimental trial, the participants reported for a short resistance training session in the morning then repeating the BOST and VJ testing 4-6 hours later. The BOST distance (meters) and VJ peak power (watts) were correlated in both trials (r ∼ 0.64, p < 0.05). The BOST distance improved in experimental trial over control (p < 0.05), but VJ power failed to improve. The results indicate that a morning resistance exercise bout can improve competitive throwing performance later on the same day. The results also suggest that BOST may be a useful performance testing tool for throwers in the sports of athletics.

Age-related differences and reliability on computerized and paper-and-pencil neurocognitive assessment batteries.

CONTEXT: Neurocognitive testing is a recommended component in a concussion assessment. Clinicians should be aware of age and practice effects on these measures to ensure appropriate understanding of results. OBJECTIVE: To assess age and practice effects on computerized and paper-and-pencil neurocognitive testing batteries in collegiate and high school athletes. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Classroom and laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Participants consisted of 20 collegiate student-athletes (age = 20.00 ± 0.79 years) and 20 high school student-athletes (age = 16.00 ± 0.86 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Hopkins Verbal Learning Test scores, Brief Visual-Spatial Memory Test scores, Trail Making Test B total time, Symbol Digit Modalities Test score, Stroop Test total score, and 5 composite scores from the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) served as outcome measures. Mixed-model analyses of variance were used to examine each measure. RESULTS: Collegiate student-athletes performed better than high school student-athletes on ImPACT processing speed composite score (F(1,38) = 5.03, P = .031) at all time points. No other age effects were observed. The Trail Making Test B total time (F(2,66) = 73.432, P < .001), Stroop Test total score (F(2,76) = 96.85, P = < .001) and ImPACT processing speed composite score (F(2,76) = 5.81, P = .005) improved in test sessions 2 and 3 compared with test session 1. Intraclass correlation coefficient calculations demonstrated values ranging from 0.12 to 0.72. CONCLUSIONS: An athlete's neurocognitive performance may vary across sessions. It is important for clinicians to know the reliability and precision of these tests in order to properly interpret test scores.

The relationship between subconcussive impacts and concussion history on clinical measures of neurologic function in collegiate football players.

Concussions sustained during college and professional football careers have been associated with both acute and chronic neurologic impairment. The contribution of subconcussive impacts to this impairment has not been adequately studied. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between subconcussive impacts and concussion history on clinical measures of neurologic function. Forty-six collegiate football players completed five clinical measures of neurologic function commonly employed in the evaluation of concussion before and after a single season. These tests included the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, Sensory Organization Test, Standardized Assessment of Concussion, Balance Error Scoring System, and Graded Symptom Checklist. The Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System recorded head impact data including the frequency, magnitude, and location of impacts. College football players sustain approximately 1,000 subconcussive impacts to the head over the course of a season, but for the most part, do not demonstrate any clinically meaningful changes from preseason to postseason on measures of neurologic function. Changes in performance were mostly independent of prior concussion history, and the total number, magnitude and location of sustained impacts over one season as observed R(2) values ranged between 0.30 and 0.35. Repetitive subconcussive head impacts over a single season do not appear to result in short-term neurologic impairment, but these relationships should be further investigated for a potential dose-response over a player's career.

Effects of a single-task versus a dual-task paradigm on cognition and balance in healthy subjects.

CONTEXT: Recent evidence has revealed deficiencies in the ability to divide attention after concussion. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a single vs a dual task on cognition and balance in healthy subjects and to examine reliability of 2 dual-task paradigms while examining the overall feasibility of the tasks. DESIGN: Pretest-posttest experimental design. SETTING: Sports medicine research laboratory. PATIENTS: 30 healthy, recreationally active college students. INTERVENTION: Subjects performed balance and cognitive tasks under the single- and dual-task conditions during 2 test sessions 14 d apart. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The procedural reaction-time (PRT) test of the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (eyes-closed tasks) and an adapted Procedural Auditory Task (PAT; eyes-open tasks) were used to assess cognition. The NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) were used to assess balance performance. Five 2-way, within-subject ANOVAs and a paired-samples t test were used to analyze the data. ICCs were used to assess reliability across 2 test sessions. RESULTS: On the SOT, performance significantly improved between test sessions (F1,29 = 35.695, P < .001) and from the single to the dual task (F1,29 = 9.604, P = .004). On the PRT, performance significantly improved between test sessions (F1,29 = 57.252, P < .001) and from the single to the dual task (F1,29 = 7.673, P = .010). No differences were seen on the BESS and the PAT. Reliability across test sessions ranged from moderate to poor for outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: The BESS appears to be a more reliable and functional tool in dual-task conditions as a result of its increased reliability and clinical applicability. In addition, the BESS is more readily available to clinicians than the SOT.

Comparison of body composition assessment methods in breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine and compare the reliability of four body composition methods commonly used in assessing breast cancer survivors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: A rehabilitation facility at a university-based comprehensive cancer center in the southeastern United States. SAMPLE: 14 breast cancer survivors aged 40-71 years. METHODS: Body fat (BF) percentage was estimated via bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and skinfold thickness (SKF) using both three- and seven-site algorithms, where reliability of the methods was evaluated by conducting two tests for each method (test 1 and test 2), one immediately after the other. An analysis of variance was used to compare the results of BF percentage among the four methods. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test the reliability of each method. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLE: BF percentage. FINDINGS: Significant differences in BF percentage were observed between BIA and all other methods (three-site SKF, p<0.001; seven-site SKF, p<0.001; ADP, p=0.002). No significant differences (p>0.05) in BF percentage between three-site SKF, seven-site SKF, and ADP were observed. ICCs between test 1 and test 2 for each method were BIA=1, ADP=0.98, three-site SKF=0.99, and seven-site SKF=0.94. CONCLUSIONS: ADP and both SKF methods produce similar estimates of BF percentage in all participants, whereas BIA overestimated BF percentage relative to the other measures. Caution is recommended when using BIA as the body composition method for breast cancer survivors who have completed treatment but are still undergoing adjuvant hormonal therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Measurements of body composition can be implemented very easily as part of usual care and should serve as an objective outcome measure for interventions designed to promote healthy behaviors among breast cancer survivors.

Application of reliable change indices to computerized neuropsychological measures of concussion.

Serial assessments of neurocognitive functioning in athletes with concussion are commonly used for return to play decisions. This study provides reliable change indices (RCIs) for computerized tests from 40 NCAA Division I collegiate athletes that suffered a sports-related concussion. The normative data that resulted from the RCIs and subsequent analyses of differences between improved and not improved athletes may aid both clinicians and researchers to assess whether observed change on neuropsychological measures is reliable change or change due simply to practice effects. Hence, the RCIs presented herein provide information that may be used judiciously by a clinician for assessing meaningful change.

The National Football League Combine: performance differences between drafted and nondrafted players entering the 2004 and 2005 drafts.

The purpose of this study was to examine performance differences between drafted and nondrafted athletes (N = 321) during the 2004 and 2005 National Football League (NFL) Combines. We categorized players into one of 3 groups: Skill, Big skill, and Linemen. Skill players (SP) consisted of wide receivers, cornerbacks, free safeties, strong safeties, and running backs. Big skill players (BSP) included fullbacks, linebackers, tight ends, and defensive ends. Linemen (LM) consisted of centers, offensive guards, offensive tackles, and defensive tackles. We analyzed player height and mass, as well as performance on the following combine drills: 40-yard dash, 225-lb bench press test, vertical jump, broad jump, pro-agility shuttle, and the 3-cone drill. Student t-tests compared performance on each of these measures between drafted and nondrafted players. Statistical significance was found between drafted and nondrafted SP for the 40-yard dash (P < 0.001), vertical jump (P = 0.003), pro-agility shuttle (P < 0.001), and 3-cone drill (P < 0.001). Drafted and nondrafted BSP performed differently on the 40-yard dash (P = 0.002) and 3-cone drill (P = 0.005). Finally, drafted LM performed significantly better than nondrafted LM on the 40-yard dash (P = 0.016), 225-lb bench press (P = 0.003), and 3-cone drill (P = 0.005). Certified strength and conditioning specialists will be able to utilize the significant findings to help better prepare athletes as they ready themselves for the NFL Combine.

Measurement of head impacts in collegiate football players: clinical measures of concussion after high- and low-magnitude impacts.

OBJECTIVE: It has been speculated that a theoretical injury threshold of 70 to 75 g may exist for concussions in football players. We aimed to investigate acute balance and neurocognitive performance after head impacts exceeding a theoretical injury threshold in the absence of both self-reported symptoms and a concussion diagnosis 24 hours before testing. METHODS: Forty-three Division I collegiate football players participated in this double-blind, repeated-measures study. Subjects participated in three test sessions (baseline, low impact, and high impact) separated by at least 2 weeks. The Head Impact Telemetry System (Simbex, Lebanon, NH) recorded real-time head impacts sustained during practices and games. The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics assessed neurocognitive performance. The NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test (NeuroCom International Inc., Clackamas, OR) assessed postural stability. The Graded Symptom Checklist evaluated symptom presence and severity in our participants. RESULTS: After the low-impact test session (<60 g), we observed improvements in the Math Processing (F(1, 26) = 9.797; P = 0.004), Matching to Sample (F(1, 26) = 6.504; P = 0.017), and Sternberg Procedure (F(1, 26) = 5.323; P = 0.030) Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics test modules. Statistically significant differences were also observed after the high-impact test session (>90 g) with improvements in Math Processing (F(1, 22) = 16.629; P < 0.001), Procedural Reaction Time (F(1, 22) = 14.668; P < 0.001), and the total number of symptoms reported (F(1, 22) = 10.267; P = 0.004). Neurocognitive improvements were likely attributed to a learning effect. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that sustaining an impact greater than 90 g does not result in acute observable balance and neurocognitive deficits within 24 hours of sustaining the impact. Although previous studies have suggested a theoretical injury threshold, none have been founded on empirical data collected on the playing field in real-time. Future studies should consider the cumulative effects of impacts of varying magnitudes.

The effects of headache on clinical measures of neurocognitive function.

OBJECTIVE: To examine effects of preseason baseline headache and posttraumatic headache (PTH) on neurocognitive function. DESIGN: Retrospective repeated measures study with headache groups formed regarding baseline headache score (0 = negative headache; 1-6 = positive headache) and day 1 postinjury headache score (0 = no headache; 1-2 = mild headache; 3-6 = moderate-severe headache). SETTING: Clinical athletic training setting and sports medicine research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: High-school and collegiate athletes with a concussion. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Preseason baseline headache, PTH, test-day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A Graded Symptom Checklist (GSC) was used to assess symptoms. The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) and the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) were used to assess neuropsychological function and mental status. The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) was used to assess postural stability. RESULTS: Both baseline headache groups displayed a higher symptom endorsement and higher symptom severity at day 1 postinjury and improved by day 7 postinjury. The positive headache group reported an even greater increase in symptom severity and presence (P < 0.05). ANAM revealed deficits in both groups 1 day postinjury. All PTH headache groups displayed a difference in symptom number and severity with the increase being magnified by headache severity (P < 0.05). Individuals reporting moderate-severe PTH displayed increased deficits subacutely but improved by 5-7 days postinjury on overall neuropsychological performance, reaction time, and working memory (P < 0.05). Deficits were observed for all ANAM measures except simple reaction time 1 (SRT 1) and match to sample subacutely and improved over time (P < 0.05). The SAC yielded an interaction (P < 0.05) for baseline headache. The BESS yielded no significant findings. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider headache when assessing concussion and during preseason baseline assessments because headache may affect symptom presence and other clinical measures of concussion.

The effects of an individualized exercise intervention on body composition in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Changes in metabolism have been reported in the majority of patients undergoing cancer treatment, and these are usually characterized by progressive change in body composition. The effects of aerobic exercise programs to combat the cancer and cancer treatment-related side effects, which include the negative changes in body composition, have been extensively reported in the literature. However, few resistance exercise intervention studies have hypothesized that breast cancer patients might benefit from this type of exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exercise protocols that emphasize resistance training would change body composition and strength in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized controlled trial, at the Campus Recreation Center and Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute of the University of Northern Colorado, and the North Colorado Medical Center. METHODS: Twenty inactive breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to a 21-week exercise group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The exercise group trained at low to moderate intensity for 60 minutes on two days/week. The primary outcome measurements included body composition (skinfold method) and muscle strength (one repetition maximum). RESULTS: Significant differences in lean body mass, body fat and strength (p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p = 0.025, respectively) were observed between the groups at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that exercise emphasizing resistance training promotes positive changes in body composition and strength in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

The effects of an individualized exercise intervention on body composition in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Changes in metabolism have been reported in the majority of patients undergoing cancer treatment, and these are usually characterized by progressive change in body composition. The effects of aerobic exercise programs to combat the cancer and cancer treatment-related side effects, which include the negative changes in body composition, have been extensively reported in the literature. However, few resistance exercise intervention studies have hypothesized that breast cancer patients might benefit from this type of exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exercise protocols that emphasize resistance training would change body composition and strength in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized controlled trial, at the Campus Recreation Center and Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute of the University of Northern Colorado, and the North Colorado Medical Center. METHODS: Twenty inactive breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to a 21-week exercise group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The exercise group trained at low to moderate intensity for 60 minutes on two days/week. The primary outcome measurements included body composition (skinfold method) and muscle strength (one repetition maximum). RESULTS: Significant differences in lean body mass, body fat and strength (p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p = 0.025, respectively) were observed between the groups at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that exercise emphasizing resistance training promotes positive changes in body composition and strength in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Alterações no metabolismo têm sido apresentadas pela literatura e são comumente caracterizadas pela mudança progressiva da composição corporal observada na maioria de pacientes de câncer em tratamento. A literatura reporta os efeitos de programas de exercícios aeróbicos para combater o câncer e seus efeitos colaterais, porém, poucos estudos relacionados à intervenção por meio de exercícios de resistência em pacientes com câncer de mama e seus efeitos na composição corporal foram reportados na literatura. O objetivo foi determinar se um protocolo de exercícios de resistência traz alterações na composição corporal e força de pacientes com câncer de mama. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo randomizado com um grupo de controle da University of Northern Colorado, Campus Recreation and Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute e North Colorado Medical Center. MÉTODOS: 20 pacientes portadoras de câncer de mama foram divididas aleatoriamente em um grupo que realizou 21 semanas de exercícios (n = 10) e um grupo de controle (n = 10). O grupo experimental realizou exercícios de intensidade baixa e moderada durante 60 minutos duas vezes por semana. A composição corporal foi avaliada pelo método de dobras cutâneas e a força msucular pelo teste de uma repetição máxima (1 RM). RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na massa magra, gordura corporal e força (p = 0,004, p = 0,004, p = 0,025, respectivamente) entre os grupos ao final do estudo. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que exercícios com treinamento de força promovem mudanças na composição corporal e força em pacientes portadoras de câncer de mama sob tratamento médico.

Efeitos do treinamento de resistência na força muscular e níveis de fadiga em pacientes com câncer de mama / The effects of resistance training on muscular strength and fatigue levels in breast cancer patients

Os efeitos de programas generalizados de atividade física no combate ao câncer e aos efeitos colaterais de seu tratamento têm sido amplamente relatados na literatura. O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de examinar os efeitos de um programa de prescrição de exercício físico individualizado, com ênfase no treinamento resistido, na força muscular e nos níveis de fadiga em pacientes portadoras de câncer de mama em tratamento. Vinte mulheres foram divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos, sendo um experimental (57,5 ± 23,0 anos) e um controle (56,6 ± 16,0 anos). O grupo experimental exercitou-se, após a cirurgia, durante 60 minutos, de forma moderada, duas vezes por semana, durante 21 semanas. A força muscular total foi avaliada antes e após o tratamento e os níveis de fadiga foram avaliados em três momentos durante o treinamento. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na força muscular total entre os grupos após o treinamento (p = 0,025). Os níveis de fadiga diminuíram significativamente entre os grupos após a primeira (p = 0,001) e a segunda (p = 0,005) intervenção e ao final do tratamento (p = 0,001). Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que os exercícios resistidos devem ser incluídos na prescrição de exercícios no combate da fadiga e na melhoria da força muscular em mulheres com câncer de mama, submetidas a tratamento.

The effects of generalized exercise programs to combat cancer and cancer treatment-related side effects have been extensively reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an individualized exercise program with emphasis on resistance exercise, changes in muscular strength and fatigue in breast cancer female patients under treatment. Twenty subjects were randomly divided in two groups: an experimental (57.5 ± 23.0 years) and a control (56.6 ± 16.0 years) group. A twenty-one week intervention involving pre- and post-functional assessments, prescriptive exercise, and three moments of fatigue measures was used. The experimental group exercised at a low to moderate-intensity for sixty minutes two days a week beginning after surgery. Significant differences in overall muscular strength were observed between groups post-intervention (p = 0.025). Fatigue was also significantly different between groups at treatment one (p = 0.001), treatment two (p = 0.005) and post-intervention (p = 0.001). The results of this study suggest that an emphasis on resistance training should be utilized to combat fatigue and to increase muscular strength in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Los efectos de programas generalizados de actividad física de combate al cáncer y los efectos colaterales de su tratamiento vienen siendo bastante estudiados. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido el de examinar los efectos de un programa prescrito de ejercicio físico individual, con énfasis en el entrenamiento resistido, en la fuerza muscular y en los niveles de fatiga en pacientes portadoras de cáncer de mama en tratamiento. Veinte mujeres fueron divididas aleatoriamente en dos grupos, siendo uno de ellos el experimental (57,5 ± 23,0 años) y el otro de control (56,6 ± 16,0 años). El grupo experimental se ejercitó después de una cirugía durante 60 minutos, de forma moderada, dos veces por semana, durante 21 semanas. La fuerza muscular total fue evaluada antes y después del tratamiento y los niveles de fatiga fueron evaluados en cuatro momentos durante los ejercicios. Fueron encontradas diferencias significativas en la fuerza muscular total entre los grupos después de los ejercicios (p = 0,025). Los niveles de fatiga disminuyeron significativamente entre los grupos después de la primera (p = 0,001) y la segunda (p = 0,005) intervención y al final del tratamiento (p = 0,001). Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que los ejercicios resistidos deben ser incluidos en la prescripción de ejercicios de combate a la fatiga y en la mejoría de la fuerza muscular en mujeres con cáncer de mama sometidas a tratamiento.