Different Resistance Training Intensity Prescription and Monitoring Methodologies: Effects on Strength, Body Composition, and Well-being in Survivors of Breast Cancer

Universidad de Almeria

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Breast Cancer

Treatments: Behavioral: Daily load-velocity-based training intensity adjustment.; Behavioral: Training intensity prescription based on an initial 1RM estimation using load-velocity relationship; Behavioral: Traditional training with intensity prescription based on 1RM testing.

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06940310

EFICAN/04/2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of three different methods of prescribing and monitoring resistance training intensity on muscle strength, body composition, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer survivors.

Full description

Breast cancer survival rates have significantly increased in recent years, highlighting the importance of effective interventions to address the long-term consequences of cancer and its treatments. Breast cancer survivors often experience muscle weakness, changes in body composition, fatigue, and psychological distress, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Resistance training has been widely recognized as a safe and effective strategy to counteract these effects, improving muscle strength, body composition, and psychological well-being.

Despite its benefits, the optimal method for prescribing and monitoring resistance training intensity in breast cancer survivors remains unclear. Traditional methods based on one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing may not fully account for individual variations in fatigue and performance. Alternative approaches, such as load-velocity relationships, allow for more precise and real-time adjustments to training intensity, potentially optimizing outcomes.

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of three different methods of resistance training intensity prescription and monitoring on muscle strength, body composition, quality of life, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer survivors. The findings will contribute to developing evidence-based exercise guidelines, enhancing rehabilitation strategies and overall well-being in this population.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• To be >18 years old.
• To have a breast cancer diagnosis.
• To have finished chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery up to 10 years prior to the beginning of the study.

Exclusion criteria

• To present metastatic breast cancer.
• To have a planned surgery for breast reconstruction within three months after the start of the study.
• To present any absolute contraindication for exercising.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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60 participants in 3 patient groups

Daily load-velocity-based training intensity adjustment

Experimental group

Description:

At the beginning of the training session, the one-repetition maximum (1RM) will be estimated based on the individual's load-velocity relationship, using the general velocity associated with the 1RM for the exercises included in the session. Additionally, during the training sessions, intensity will be monitored, and load will be adjusted in real time by movement velocity.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Daily load-velocity-based training intensity adjustment.

Training intensity prescription based on an initial 1RM estimation using load-velocity relationship.

Experimental group

Description:

In the first training session, the one-repetition maximum (1RM) will be estimated based on the individual's load-velocity relationship, using the general velocity associated with the 1RM for the exercises included in the session. This 1RM will be used to prescribe exercise intensity throughout the intervention.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Training intensity prescription based on an initial 1RM estimation using load-velocity relationship

Traditional training with intensity prescription based on 1RM testing.

Experimental group

Description:

The traditional training group will follow a training program using the traditionally employed methodology for assessing and prescribing training intensity in breast cancer survivors. This methodology is based on an initial 1RM estimation conducted through a 1RM test, which will be used to prescribe the training load throughout the intervention.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Traditional training with intensity prescription based on 1RM testing.