Plyometric Strength-Endurance Exercise in Breast Cancer

University of Vigo

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Cancer Survivors; Neoplams; Patients

Treatments: Other: Plyometric Strength-Endurance Training; Other: Conventional Strength Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07460492

2025/001 (Other Identifier)

2025/263

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to compare an adapted plyometric strength-endurance exercise program with conventional strength training in women who are breast cancer survivors or currently undergoing treatment and who participate in provincial support associations. The goal is to determine whether a targeted plyometric intervention can provide additional benefits in physical and mental health outcomes.

Using a cluster-randomized clinical trial design, the study will assess indicators such as functional capacity, muscle strength, fatigue levels, symptoms related to lymphedema, and overall quality of life. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how structured exercise programs can support recovery, physical function, and well-being in women affected by breast cancer.

Full description

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment that have improved survival rates, many patients and survivors continue to experience physical and psychological impairments that negatively affect their quality of life. Historically, intense or repetitive upper-limb exercise was discouraged due to concerns about triggering or worsening lymphedema. However, current evidence supports supervised therapeutic exercise as both safe and effective for this population. Strength training, in particular, has demonstrated benefits in muscle mass, physical function, bone health, fatigue reduction, and emotional well-being.

Most existing research has focused on conventional strength training programs, leaving a gap in the evidence regarding more dynamic approaches, such as strength-endurance training involving plyometric exercises. Research on plyometrics within oncology remains limited and has been conducted primarily in pediatric populations, such as survivors of childhood leukemia or children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Nevertheless, plyometric training-traditionally used in athletic performance and in patients with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions-may offer significant therapeutic potential for women living with or recovering from breast cancer.

Plyometric exercises are known to enhance muscular power, balance, proprioception, and neuromuscular control, all of which are essential for restoring functional capacity and independence. Their dynamic, progressive nature may also support greater motivation and adherence, potentially translating into improvements in mental health, self-esteem, and body image.

In summary, plyometric-based strength-endurance training represents an innovative and promising approach to improving quality of life, functional performance, and overall well-being in women who are survivors of breast cancer or currently undergoing treatment. This study aims to address the existing evidence gap by evaluating the therapeutic effects of an adapted plyometric program compared with conventional strength training within a controlled clinical trial framework.

Enrollment: 51 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 18 years or older.
• Prior diagnosis of breast cancer.
• History of mastectomy, including unilateral procedures, total breast surgery, or breast-conserving surgery.
• Completion of postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy, when indicated.
• Absence of contraindications for physiotherapy or therapeutic exercise.
• Willingness to voluntarily participate in the study.
• Ability to understand and sign the informed consent form.
• Availability to participate in the training program for the entire intervention period (approximately 12 weeks).

Exclusion Criteria

• Participants will be excluded if any of the following conditions are present:
• Active metastasis to other organs or tissues (e.g., liver, kidney, lung, brain) or stage IV cancer that prevents safe participation in the therapeutic exercise program.
• Current diagnosis of cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, or musculoskeletal diseases that contraindicate physical exercise or impair safe completion of the program.
• Major surgery within the previous 6 months without medical clearance to resume physical activity.
• Cognitive impairment or mental health conditions that limit comprehension of instructions or safe engagement in the intervention.
• Current pregnancy.
• Lack of medical clearance for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (as indicated by a medical certificate specifying the duration of the restriction and the conditions under which exercise may be resumed).

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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51 participants in 2 patient groups

Plyometric Strength-Endurance Training Program

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in the experimental group will take part in an adapted plyometric strength-endurance training program delivered through supervised 60-minute sessions, twice per week, over a 12-week period (24 sessions total). A minimum rest interval of 48 hours will be maintained between sessions. The frequency and duration of the intervention follow the recommendations of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for the safe implementation of plyometric and strength-endurance exercise in adult populations. A total battery of 22 plyometric exercises has been designed based on previous scientific literature in which plyometric movements were adapted for individuals with various clinical conditions. These exercises are progressively structured to ensure safe neuromuscular adaptation, gradual increases in intensity, and individualized progression according to each participant's tolerance and functional capabilities.

Treatment:

Other: Plyometric Strength-Endurance Training

Conventional Strength Training

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants assigned to the control group will perform a conventional strength training program. This program has been designed as an active and structured intervention to allow a meaningful comparison with the effects of the plyometric training implemented in the experimental group. The exercise circuit will include functional movements aimed at global strengthening, with an emphasis on multi-joint patterns that promote transfer of improvements to activities of daily living. The program will be organized as a circuit of strength exercises performed after the warm-up phase and before the cool-down phase, delivered over a 12-week period through supervised 60-minute sessions held twice per week with at least 48 hours of rest between sessions to allow for adequate muscular recovery. Training volume will progress from 1-3 sets of 8 repetitions in weeks 1-2, increasing to 12-14 reps, and up to 4 sets in the final week based on tolerance.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional Strength Training