An assessment of body composition, balance, and muscular strength and endurance in breast cancer survivors

Thesis (M.Ed.)--Wichita State University, College of Education, Dept. of Human Performance Studies.Incidence rates for breast cancer continue to rise with improved methods of screening, detection, diagnosis and treatment. The chance of developing breast cancer is 12%, or 1 out of 8 women (American Cancer Society, 2011b). Increased survival equates to increased needs for support services to restore or promote healthy living. This includes leading an active lifestyle with independent physical and mental capabilities. This study assesses body composition, balance, and upper extremity muscular strength and endurance in breast cancer survivors (BCS) shortly after diagnosis and during and after chemotherapy. Design: Prospective exploratory design with one control arm. Methods: Adult females (N = 7) within 1 month of breast cancer diagnosis, currently undergoing chemotherapy and/or have completed chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer were recruited for this study. Variables assessed include weight, body fat percentage, lean body mass percentage, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), balance (sway index), and upper extremity muscular strength and endurance (peak torque, power, and total work). Results: Lean body mass percentage was significantly lower than healthy, age-matched controls (p=0.047). BCS had increased body fat percentage and weight compared to controls, and showed a significant increase in weight from initial diagnosis to treatment completion (p=0.037). BMI, BMD, and BMC did not significantly differ from controls. BCS produced increased measures of sway compared to normative values. Muscular strength and endurance did not differ between affected and unaffected arm. Conclusion: Current findings align with previous studies in terms of body composition and balance and serve to inform future research utilizing larger sample sizes