INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) promotes significant physical and psychosocial benefits for breast cancer survivors. While evidence exists regarding recommendations for the frequency, duration and intensity of exercise that optimise PA benefits for cancer survivors, the role of the environment in achieving optimal outcomes has yet to be determined. This paper presents a protocol for a clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility of a 3-month nature-based walking programme for breast cancer survivors. Secondary outcomes assessed include the impact of the intervention on fitness, quality of life outcomes, and biomarkers of ageing and inflammation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The trial is a 12-week single-arm pilot study. Twenty female breast cancer survivors will engage in a supervised moderate intensity walking intervention in small groups in a nature reserve for 50 minutes three times per week. Data will be collected at baseline and end of study, and include assessment of inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory myokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, CRP, TGF-ß, IL-10, IL-13), as well as ageing (DNA methylation, ageing genes) biomarkers; surveys (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory); and fitness assessments (6 min Walk Test, Grip-Strength, One Repetition-Maximum Leg Press). Participants will also complete weekly surveys assessing social support and participate in an exit interview. This is an important first step for future research on the influence of exercise environment on cancer survivor PA outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Cedars Sinai Medical Center Institutional Review Board (IIT2020-20). Findings will be disseminated through academic manuscripts, conferences, and community presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04896580.
Breast Neoplasms , Cancer Survivors , Humans , Female , Quality of Life/psychology , Pilot Projects , Walking/psychology , Biomarkers
The effects of vibrating foam rolling the hamstrings on range of motion (ROM), hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratios, muscle activation, and peak torque (PT) of the quadriceps and hamstrings have yet to be extensively studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a vibrating foam roller on the hamstrings. Fifteen resistance trained women (mean age ± SD = 22.9 ± 2.0 years, height = 162.7 ± 4.8 cm, body mass = 66.0 ± 9.7 kgs, BMI = 24.9 ± 3.3 kg·m2) participated in five separate testing sessions to examine pre- and post-testing PT, H:Q ratios, muscle activation of the quadriceps and hamstrings, and ROM of the hamstrings. Testing sessions consisted of a foam rolling, a vibrating foam rolling, a vibration-only, and a control condition. Hamstrings ROM increased for both limbs with the exception of the vibration condition for the untreated limb (p = 0.003). The untreated limb had a quadriceps PT increase from preto post-testing (p = 0.014). Concentric hamstrings PT for both limbs decreased pre- to post-testing for all conditions (p = 0.013). Eccentric hamstrings PT for both limbs decreased pre- to post-testing (p = 0.026). Conventional H:Q ratios decreased pre- to post-testing for both the treated and untreated limbs (p < 0.001). Functional H:Q ratios decreased for both limbs pre- to post-testing (p < 0.001). Although hamstrings ROM increased in both limbs, foam rolling, vibrating foam rolling, and vibration-only could possibly decrease performance measures of the ipsilateral and contralateral limbs.
BACKGROUND: Aerial fitness is quickly gaining popularity; however, little is known regarding the physiological demands of aerial athletes. The purpose of the study was to examine contralateral muscle imbalances, compare dominant versus non-dominant hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratios, and to establish a physiological profile of recreational aerial athletes. METHODS: Thirteen aerialist women visited a local aerial studio to participate in a data collection session to examine isometric levels of upper and lower body strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength (p = 0.077), dominant and non-dominant isometric knee flexion (p = 0.483), dominant and non-dominant isometric knee extension (p = 0.152), or dominant and non-dominant isometric H:Q ratios (p = 0.102). In addition, no significant difference was found between isometric dominant H:Q ratio and the widely-used value of 0.60 (p = 0.139). However, isometric non-dominant H:Q ratio was significantly lower than the 0.60 criterion (p = 0.004). Aerial athletes demonstrated to have excellent flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and average strength. CONCLUSIONS: Aerial fitness may be another recreational activity that could be used to maintain higher levels of flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and strength. Aerialists may want to consider focusing on strengthening the lower body and balancing the hamstrings and quadriceps muscle strength.
