Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Benefits of supervised group exercise programme for women being treated for early stage breast cancer: pragmatic randomised controlled trial

Mutrie, Nanette; Campbell, Anna M; Whyte, Fiona; McConnachie, Alex; Emslie, Carol; Lee, Laura; Kearney, Nora; Walker, Andrew; Ritchie, Diana

Authors

Nanette Mutrie

Fiona Whyte

Alex McConnachie

Carol Emslie

Laura Lee

Nora Kearney

Andrew Walker

Diana Ritchie



Abstract

Objectives To determine functional and psychological benefits of a 12 week supervised group exercise programme during treatment for early stage breast cancer, with six month follow-up.Design Pragmatic randomised controlled prospective open trial.Setting Three National Health Service oncology clinics in Scotland and community exercise facilities.Participants 203 women entered the study; 177 completed the six month follow-up. Interventions Supervised 12 week group exercise programme in addition to usual care, compared with usual care.Main outcome measures Functional assessment of cancer therapy (FACT) questionnaire, Beck depression inventory, positive and negative affect scale, body mass index, seven day recall of physical activity, 12 minute walk test, and assessment of shoulder mobility.Results Mixed effects models with adjustment for baseline values, study site, treatment at baseline, and age gave intervention effect estimates (intervention minus control) at 12 weeks of 129 (95% confidence interval 83 to 176) for metres walked in 12 minutes, 182 (75 to 289) for minutes of moderate intensity activity reported in a week, 2.6 (1.6 to 3.7) for shoulder mobility, 2.5 (1.0 to 3.9) for breast cancer specific subscale of quality of life, and 4.0 (1.8 to 6.3) for positive mood. No significant effect was seen for general quality of life (FACT-G), which was the primary outcome. At the six month follow-up, most of these effects were maintained and an intervention effect for breast cancer specific quality of life emerged. No adverse effects were noted.Conclusion Supervised group exercise provided functional and psychological benefit after a 12 week intervention and six months later. Clinicians should encourage activity for their patients. Policy makers should consider the inclusion of exercise opportunities in cancer rehabilitation services.Trial registration Current controlled trials ISRCTN12587864.

Citation

Mutrie, N., Campbell, A. M., Whyte, F., McConnachie, A., Emslie, C., Lee, L., …Ritchie, D. (2007). Benefits of supervised group exercise programme for women being treated for early stage breast cancer: pragmatic randomised controlled trial. BMJ, 334(7592), 517. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39094.648553.ae

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 26, 2006
Online Publication Date Feb 16, 2007
Publication Date Mar 10, 2007
Deposit Date Jul 26, 2016
Journal BMJ
Print ISSN 0959-8138
Electronic ISSN 1468-5833
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 334
Issue 7592
Pages 517
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39094.648553.ae
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/316830