Effects of Detraining on the Functional Capacity of Previously Trained Breast Cancer Survivors F. Herrero1,2, A. F. San Juan1, S. J. Fleck3, C. Foster4, A. Lucia1 1 Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain 2 Gabinete Medico Deportivo del Ayuntamiento de Miranda de Ebro, Burgos, Spain 3 Sport Science Department, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, USA 4 Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, La Crosse, WI, USA Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a relatively short (8-weeks) period of detraining on cardiorespiratory capacity, dynamic strength endurance, task specific functional muscle capacity and quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors who had previously undergone a combined supervised (aerobic and resistance) training program. Eleven women survivors of stage I - II ductal breast carcinoma (47 +/- 7 yrs) entered the study and performed a battery of tests (including anthropometric evaluation, a graded cycle ergometer test, tests of strength endurance [leg and bench press] and the sit-stand test) and completed a specific QOL questionnaire (EORTC-C30) at three time points: i) before, ii) after an exercise program (including aerobic and resistance exercises) of 8-weeks duration, and iii) after a subsequent 8-weeks period of training cessation. Training-induced improvements in strength endurance, muscle functional capacity (sit-stand test) and QOL were not significantly changed after detraining (p > 0.05 for post-training vs. detraining comparisons). The lack of significant loss in muscle strength endurance occurred despite significant losses in estimated total muscle mass after detraining (27.3 +/- 2.4 kg) compared with post-training (28.5 +/- 2.9 kg). In contrast, cardiorespiratory capacity was significantly decreased during detraining (V¡¤O2peak of 29.0 +/- 4.6 vs. 22.7 +/- 3.9 ml . kg -1 . min-1 at post-training vs. detraining, p < 0.01). In conclusion, cancer survivors who have participated in a combined training program can retain some of the training gains (particularly improved QOL and muscle strength endurance/functional performance) after a relatively short duration detraining period. Int J Sports Med 2007; 28: 257-264 DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924348 Thanks to www.cancerpage.com Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.