Effects of a 12-week resistance and aerobic exercise program on muscular strength and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Study protocol for the EFICAN randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The number of people living with the side effects of breast cancer treatment (eg, loss of muscular mass and muscular strength, upper-limb mobility and disability, lymphedema, cardiac toxicity, and reduced quality of life) is increasing yearly. These consequences can be improved through exercise, specially combining resistance and aerobic training. Previous exercise trials have not been consistent in applying training principles and standardized reporting, and this partly explains the variability in obtained results. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of a 12-week supervised resistance exercise program combined with homebased aerobic exercise, compared with home-based aerobic exercise only, on muscular strength and several aspects of healthrelated quality of life in breast cancer survivors. To maximize transparency, replicability, and clinical applicability, the intervention is described following the consensus on exercise reporting template.