Effects of Acute Physical Exercise on Fatigue and Pain in a Metastatic Breast Cancer Population:

0704 Exercise training has been associated with improvements in symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. However, the acute effects of exercise on symptoms and the effects of training on acute responses have not been investigated in a metastatic breast cancer population. PURPOSE: To determine the longitudinal effects of a single bout of physical exercise on fatigue and pain in a sample of women with metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: Nine women aged 45–67 years with metastatic (Stage 4) breast cancer participated in supervised group exercise training 3 times per week for 16 weeks. Physical activities that promote strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness were incorporated. Fatigue and pain were assessed immediately before and after aerobic exercise sessions at weeks 2, 10 and 16. Data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVAs. RESULTS:TableCONCLUSION: Both fatigue and pain increased across weeks pre-exercise as may be expected with this population. However, greater reductions in fatigue and pain from pre to post exercise were observed as training progressed. These results suggest a positive effect of training on both fatigue and pain reductions with acute exercise in a metastatic breast cancer population. Funded by the National Cancer Institute