Mat Pilates improves lower and upper body strength and flexibility in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone therapy: a randomized controlled trial (HAPiMat study).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of Mat Pilates in breast cancer survivors (BCS) undergoing hormone therapy on lower and upper body muscle strength parameters and flexibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three BCS (≥40 years) with confirmed breast cancer stage 0-III undergoing hormone therapy were included. Participants were randomized into Mat Pilates (three times/week, 60 min session) or control group (relaxation activities every two weeks). The difficulty and number of exercise repetitions were increased over the weeks. Assessments were performed at three times points (baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). The generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to compare each outcome measure during the analysis of intention to treat (ITT) and "Per protocol analysis" (PPA). RESULTS: The Pilates group presented significantly increased (p < 0.05) isometric flexor-extensor PT, and concentric and eccentric flexor PT and mechanical work (MW) after the intervention. Most of the upper body strength parameters, time to achieve maximal force (TFmax), maximal force (Fmax), and rapid force index (RFI) and right-left upper and lower body flexibility (p < 0.05) also improved. CONCLUSIONS: From our findings, we conclude that 24 and 12-weeks of Mat Pilates induced strength and flexibility gains for lower and upper body, respectively.Implications for rehabilitationMat Pilates can be adapted to the fitness level of breast cancer survivors, with a great variety of exercises that can be performed using a mat only or a few pieces of equipment.Patients can practice at home to gain different health benefits (i.e., increasing strength, flexibility, and functional capacity level), which could positively impact on quality of life.Mat Pilates performed three times per week with systematized increments in exercise level, load, and volume throughout the intervention was effective to improve hip extensor-flexor muscles peak torque and mechanical work at different muscle contractions, as well as upper and lower body flexibility.Mat Pilates was also able to improve right-left shoulder abductor and trunk extensor muscles strength parameters after 12 weeks of intervention, as well as both surgery and non-surgery sides of the upper body.

The influence of mat Pilates training adherence on strength and flexibility parameters in breast cancer survivors undergoing hormone therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of adherence to mat Pilates training on lower and upper body strength and flexibility in breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors (≥40 years) with cancer stages 0-III undergoing hormone therapy participated in this study. For this secondary investigation only the intervention group was analyzed, divided into low and high training adherence. Participants performed a 60-min session of mat Pilates, 3 times/wk, for 24 weeks. Concentric, eccentric, and isometric hip flexor-extensor muscle peak torque, and isometric maximal strength parameters of the shoulder abductors, trunk extensors, and handgrip were assessed. Physical activity level was analyzed as a control variable. The results showed that high training adherence improved (P<0.05) left shoulder abductor strength parameters and lower and upper body flexibility compared to baseline. The low training adherence group improved (P<0.05) trunk extensors, right and left shoulder abductor strength parameters, handgrip strength, and extensor-flexor peak torque compared to baseline. There were no differences (P>0.05) between high and low adherence for physical activity level before and after the intervention. Therefore, it appears that higher training adherence most influences some strength parameters and flexibility, while fewer sessions enable the achievement of significant results for shoulder abductor and hip extensor-flexor muscle strength parameters.

Effects of 6-weeks of detraining on functional capacity and rapid torque production in older women.

Mat Pilates has become an attractive alternative exercise among older women, however, despite knowing the importance of regular exercise, interrupting training is a common issue in this population. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of 6-weeks of detraining after a period of 12-weeks of training with Mat Pilates on the functional capacity and neuromuscular performance of the knee extensor muscles in older women. Ten older women (62.6 ± 2.6 years; 1.57 ± 0.05 m height; 69.3 ± 9.2 kg; 27.8 kg/m2 body mass index) volunteered to participate in this study. The study was divided into three periods: a 4-week control period, followed by 12 weeks of Mat Pilates intervention, and a 6-week detraining period. During the intervention, the results showed significant improvements in functional capacity tests (time up and go, time up stairs, time down stairs, and chair sit-and-reach), rate of torque development, and impulse (p < 0.05). After the detraining period, a decrease was observed in the chair sit-and-reach test (p < 0.05) and contractile impulse at intervals 0-30 and 0-50 ms (p < 0.05). We conclude that a 6-week detraining period after a Mat Pilates training protocol was sufficient to cause declines in the chair sit-and-reach test and in the contractile impulse of the knee extensors in the early phase of the torque-time curve (0-30 and 0-50 ms), but not in the other functional capacity tests and neuromuscular parameters evaluated.

Long-Term Side Effects of Breast Cancer on Force Production Parameters.

ABSTRACT: Bertoli, J, de Souza Bezerra, E, Dias Reis, A, Amice da Costa Barros, E, Gobbo, LA, and Forte Freitas Júnior, I. Long-term side effects of breast cancer on force production parameters. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1450-1458, 2022-Breast cancer treatments have long-term side effects, which are associated with muscle strength reduction, negatively affecting the quality of life and increasing the chances of a sedentary life style. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of types of surgery and hormone therapy on muscle strength parameters in breast cancer survivors compared to women without cancer (control). Eighty-three women, 42 breast cancer survivors and 41 control women, volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects performed maximal isometric voluntary contractions, so that force parameters of the right and left shoulder abductor, trunk extensor, and preferred knee extensor-flexor muscles could be evaluated. Overall, breast cancer survivors presented a lower absolute and normalized maximal force (Fmax) for all muscle groups compared with control. The right shoulder abductor muscles of breast cancer survivors presented a significantly lower absolute and normalized rapid force index (RFI) than control. When compared according to hormone therapy treatment, in breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor, all strength parameters except for normalized RFI demonstrated lower values for the right and left shoulder abductors, trunk, and knee extensors compared with control and tamoxifen. When separated by surgery type, breast cancer survivors who underwent quadrantectomy and radical mastectomy presented lower values for some strength parameters for the left and right shoulder abductors, except for trunk extensor muscles, in which quadrantectomy and total mastectomy presented lower strength parameters. It is recommended that breast cancer survivors should be encouraged to perform supervised strength training programs for different muscle groups to improve Fmax and RFI, aiming to reduce muscle weakness and pain, and improve functional capacity and quality of life.

Impact of home-based aerobic training combined with food orientation on food consumption, daily physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness among breast cancer survivors: six-month clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Anticancer treatment gives rise to adverse effects such as increased pain and changes to body weight and menstrual cycles, with negative effects on activities of daily living. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of food orientation combined with supervised (face-to-face, FF) versus home-based (HB) aerobic training on lifestyle (food consumption and daily physical activity (PA) levels), body composition, metabolic profile and cardiorespiratory fitness, among breast cancer survivors. DESIGN AND SETTING: Clinical trial study (six months) conducted at a public university in Presidente Prudente, Brazil. METHODS: Twenty-three female breast cancer survivors (40-75 years old) were allocated to aerobic training groups, either FF or HB. Both groups were trained and received food orientation. They were evaluated through a dietary record, ergometric treadmill test and blood test and the Baecke questionnaire. RESULTS: After six months, both groups had reduced their lipid levels, total energy consumption and polyunsaturated fat intake, and had increased their PA levels and treadmill test durations. However, only the HB showed reduced carbohydrate percentage and increased folic acid; and only the FF showed reduced lipid, saturated fat and sodium levels, along with increased carbohydrate and protein levels. No differences in body composition or metabolic profile were found. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated the feasibility of HB aerobic training. In isolation, HB showed greater regulation of carbohydrate percentage and increased folic acid levels. Moreover, these breast cancer survivors presented improvements in food consumption, PA levels and cardiorespiratory fitness, while also maintaining their body composition and metabolic profile after the intervention, independent of the group.

Impact of home-based aerobic training combined with food orientation on food consumption, daily physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness among breast cancer survivors: six-month clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Anticancer treatment gives rise to adverse effects such as increased pain and changes to body weight and menstrual cycles, with negative effects on activities of daily living. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of food orientation combined with supervised (face-to-face, FF) versus home-based (HB) aerobic training on lifestyle (food consumption and daily physical activity (PA) levels), body composition, metabolic profile and cardiorespiratory fitness, among breast cancer survivors. DESIGN AND SETTING: Clinical trial study (six months) conducted at a public university in Presidente Prudente, Brazil. METHODS: Twenty-three female breast cancer survivors (40-75 years old) were allocated to aerobic training groups, either FF or HB. Both groups were trained and received food orientation. They were evaluated through a dietary record, ergometric treadmill test and blood test and the Baecke questionnaire. RESULTS: After six months, both groups had reduced their lipid levels, total energy consumption and polyunsaturated fat intake, and had increased their PA levels and treadmill test durations. However, only the HB showed reduced carbohydrate percentage and increased folic acid; and only the FF showed reduced lipid, saturated fat and sodium levels, along with increased carbohydrate and protein levels. No differences in body composition or metabolic profile were found. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated the feasibility of HB aerobic training. In isolation, HB showed greater regulation of carbohydrate percentage and increased folic acid levels. Moreover, these breast cancer survivors presented improvements in food consumption, PA levels and cardiorespiratory fitness, while also maintaining their body composition and metabolic profile after the intervention, independent of the group.

Acute effects of mat Pilates session on heart rate and rating of perceived exertion.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of Heart Rate (HR) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for 21 of 34 original Mat Pilates (MP) exercises, to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), and energy expenditure (EE) of a MP session. METHODS: Ten participants volunteered (26.30 ±â€¯3.98 yrs) to measure the intensity of each exercise; HR and RPE were monitored immediately after the end of each exercise. VO2maxwas estimated using the Astrand-Ryhming step submaximal test, and EE by a linear regression equation. HR and RPE mean values and standard deviations were calculated for each exercise. RESULTS: The maximum value for each participant normalized the EE and VO2max values, which were ranked from highest to lowest. The percentage of the mean values of HRmax and RPEmax in each exercise showed significant, strong and positive correlation (p = 0.82; p = 0.001). In 10 exercises, HR was 60% higher than HRmax. The mean values of EE and VO2max were 213.71 ±â€¯(76.41) Kcal and 34.69 ml (Kg.min)-1 (±3.5), respectively, for the entire MP session. Half of the exercises achieved moderate intensity in HR with low estimated VO2max during the whole MP session. However, if the MP session of this study was practiced five times per week, it would meet the weekly American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) EE recommendations. CONCLUSION: The 21 MP exercises monitored in this study promote considerably acute and high increments in HR and RPE.

The relation between force production at different hip angles and functional capacity in older women.

Although hip muscles are related to activities of daily living (ADLs) in older adults, there is a lack of evidence concerning the extensor-flexor hip torque-angle. A shift of the torque-angle relationship is caused by the aging process (increasing or reducing the range of motion) affecting the force production in a given muscular length during ADLs. Thus, the relationship between hip extensor-flexor muscles' force production and their association with functional capacity tests in elderly women were evaluated. Seventeen elderly women performed timed up and go, timed up and down stairs, and 30-s chair stand tests. Hip extensor-flexor isometric peak torques at 15°, 60°, 90°, and 100° (0°â€¯= full extension) were also assessed. Hip flexors produced the highest absolute and relative peak torque at a 15° angle and hip extensor muscles at 100°. A large and significant correlation (r = 0.62, p = 0.008) was observed only between absolute hip extensor peak torque at 90° and the 30-s chair stand test. When peak torque was normalized by body mass, the hip extensor-flexor muscles' peak torque obtained at all measured angles presented significant correlation with the 30-s chair stand test. The results indicate that for older women there is an optimum torque-angle for the hip flexor and extensor muscles. Furthermore, although the hip torque-angle relationship was measured under isometric contractions, there was a correlation with the 30-s chair stand test, which could indicate the presence of the isometric component during this movement.

Effects of Mat Pilates on hip and knee isokinetic torque parameters in elderly women.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of Mat Pilates on isokinetic torque of the lower limbs in elderly women. Fourteen elderly women (Age 62 ± 3 yr) participated in 12 weeks of Mat Pilates training (60-min sessions, 3 times per week). Repetitions increased every 4 weeks and the difficulty of exercises progressed from beginner to intermediate and advanced. Peak torque was assessed before (week -4 and week 0, considered as a control period) and after 6 and 12 weeks of a periodized Mat Pilates intervention. The results showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in concentric and eccentric peak torque of knee flexors muscles, hip flexor and extensor muscles after 12 weeks. Mechanical work showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) for knee extensor muscles during eccentric contractions after week 12, for hip extensor muscles during concentric contractions week 12, and for flexor muscles during concentric and eccentric contractions after week 12. We conclude that the periodization of Mat Pilates induced significant improvements in multiple isokinetic torque parameters.

Six weeks of Mat Pilates training are enough to improve functional capacity in elderly women.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Mat Pilates on the functional capacity (FC) of elderly women before and after six weeks of intervention. Eighteen women aged 62.28 (±2.34) participated in the study. Timed Up and Go test, Timed Up Stairs, Timed Down Stairs, 30-s Chair Stand, Chair Sit-and-Reach and Back Scratch tests were assessed. The results showed significant improvements in all FC tests after six weeks of the Mat Pilates intervention. Summarizing, only six weeks of Mat Pilates training of 60 min per session, three times a week, three series beginning with six repetitions and eight repetitions at the last two weeks of intervention, were enough to improve FC in elderly women. Furthermore, the exercises difficulty increased from beginners to intermediate.