Abstract
BACKGROUND: Appropriate physical training regimens are capable of restoring correct trunk muscle activity characteristics in women who have undergone breast cancer treatment.
OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the effects of various forms of physical activity on trunk muscle function.
STUDY GROUP: Sixty women who had received breast cancer treatment. The study group was further divided into three subgroups of 20 women who followed different exercise regimens: Nordic walking (NW), water resistance exercise(WE) or general fitness exercise (GE).
METHODS: Assessment of strength and velocity parameters of trunk flexor and extensor was performed at 60 and 120°/s before and after completion of the exercise regimen.
RESULTS: A significant improvement in strength and velocity parameters was noted in the NW and WE groups regardless of the muscle group and angular velocity. In the GE group, a significant improvement was noted for the flexors PT only at 120°/s.
CONCLUSIONS: NW and WE exercise regimens enhance trunk muscle function in women following breast cancer treatment, whereas GE may be useful only for sustaining the existing level of trunk muscle performance. The diversity of changes in trunk muscle function that may be achieved depending on the type and nature of the physical training regimen demonstrates the need of appropriate exercise selection to attain the desired corrective effect.