The effect of different physical exercises on the physical fitness and psychological status of breast cancer patients in remission

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of regular physical activity (step-aerobic and resistance exercise) on healthy life, physical fitness and psychological status of breast cancer patients in remission. In this study; sampling was formed by 30 breast cancer female patients aged 53.13 ± 6.45 (step aerobics, resistance and control) which complete anti-cancer cure in Akdeniz University Medical Faculty Hospital in the Medical Oncology Clinic. For step aerobics and resistance groups, special exercise programs which take 12 weeks were applied but control group were not included in this program. Physical fitness measures (height, weight, BMI, %Fat, Fat mass, FFM, skinfold measurements (SF triceps SF suprailiac SF thigh, SF %Fat, curl-up, back and leg strength, hand grip strength, 6 minute walking test, sit-reach test, goniometer shoulder flexibility measurements, static kinesthetic and dynamic balance (SKD) to (SDD) and the psychosocial questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was applied before and after this 12 weeks program. In the process of assessing data the descriptive statistic methods, Wilcoxon Test was used to determine the difference between pre and post test values, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann Whitney U Test was used to determine the difference between groups and results have been assessed according to significant level 0.05. As a result of this study, when compared pre-post test values of step aerobics groups there are statistically meaningful differences in BMI, %Fat, SF thigh, 6 minute walking, shoulder extension and abduction flexibility, quality of life scores, SAI and TAI values, pre-post test values of step aerobics group there are statistically meaningful differences in resistance group in %Fat, FFM, SF thigh, SF %Fat, curl-up, 6 minute walking, shoulder extension, SDD score, quality of life scores, SAI and TAI values. The values of control group were become badly in pre-post test. It can be concluded that, regular physical exercise program whether step aerobics and/or resistance exercise were offered to increase physical fitness and to have wellness in psychosocial. This study can be accepted to be reference for future studies. Collaboration between sport and medical treatment is strictly important in cancer cure. Keywords: Exercise, Physical Fitness, Breast cancer, Psychosocial Status