Combined Upper Extremity Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Training in Patients With Breast Cancer

According to updated data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for 2022, breast cancer in women is responsible for one in four cancer cases and one in six cancer deaths worldwide and is the second leading cause of global cancer incidence, accounting for 11.6% of all cancer cases, and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for 6.9% of all cancer deaths. During or after breast cancer treatments, there is exposure to a variety of direct (local/regional treatment, systemic treatment and supportive care) and indirect factors (modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors) that may have adverse effects on treatment-related haematological, cardiovascular, pulmonary and musculoskeletal components. Upper limb dysfunction and lymphoedema have been reported to be two of the most common side effects affecting the quality of life of breast cancer patients after breast cancer treatments. The elastic resistance band, which is widely used in strength training, has the advantage of being applied to various classes because it provides resistance angles in various postures and has a low risk of injury. However, few studies have been conducted on elastic resistance band application in patients with breast cancer. At the same time, evidence on the effectiveness of upper extremity aerobic exercise training in patients with breast cancer is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training combined with progressive resistance training and upper extremity aerobic exercise training alone on upper extremity exercise capacity, upper extremity functionality, sarcopenia, frailty, quality of life and lymphedema in patients with breast cancer.