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Effect of a mixed-exercise program on physical capacity and sedentary behavior in older adults during cancer treatments

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Abstract

Background

Aging, cancer and its treatment all contribute to increase the risk of deconditioning and sedentary behaviors. Mixed exercise is recognized to counteract the effects of aging and deconditioning as well as improving physical capacity during cancer treatment in adults.

Aims

To determine the impact of a mixed exercise program (MXEP) to improve physical capacity and decrease sedentary behavior time (SBT) in older adults during cancer treatment.

Methods

Fourteen participants (68.8 ± 3.4 years) completed 12 weeks of a mixed exercise program (MEXP) (n = 6) or stretching (n = 8) while they were under cancer treatment. Five tests of the Senior Fitness Test (Chair Stand, 8-Foot Up & Go, Arm Curl, Sit & Reach, 6 min Walk Test), two maximal strength tests (leg press and handgrip) and a Global Physical Capacity Score (GPCS) were used to assess physical capacity. For the amount of SBT (min/day), we used question 1 of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly.

Results

Both groups presented significant pre- vs post-intervention differences for the Chair Stand, Arm Curl, 6 min Walk Tests and also GPCS. Nevertheless, this difference was significantly greater in the MEXP group only for the Chair Stand Test (4.3 ± 2.2 vs 1.0 ± 1.3 reps; p = 0.01) and the GPCS (4.0 ± 0.6 vs 1.5 ± 2.3 points; p = 0.047). A tend to display a greater decrease in SBT (− 295 ± 241 min/week vs − 11 ± 290 min/week; p = 0.079) was observed in favor of MEXP.

Conclusion

A 12-week mixed exercise program led to significant improvements in physical capacity and may reduce SBT.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully thank all participants of the CANEX study.

Funding

The study was funded by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke and Merck Sharp & Dohme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 2500, boul. de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada

    René Maréchal, Adeline Fontvieille, Hugo Parent-Roberge, Eléonor Riesco & Isabelle J. Dionne

  2. Research Centre on Aging, Affiliated with CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, 1036, rue Belvédère sud, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 4C4, Canada

    René Maréchal, Adeline Fontvieille, Hugo Parent-Roberge, Tamàs Fülöp, Eléonor Riesco & Isabelle J. Dionne

  3. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada

    Tamàs Fülöp & Michel Pavic

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  1. René Maréchal
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Correspondence to Isabelle J. Dionne.

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The study was approved by the CIUSSS Estrie—CHUS Ethics Committee.

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Maréchal, R., Fontvieille, A., Parent-Roberge, H. et al. Effect of a mixed-exercise program on physical capacity and sedentary behavior in older adults during cancer treatments. Aging Clin Exp Res 31, 1583–1589 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-018-1097-4

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