The Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science (KRS), in partnership with REHAB Hospital of the Pacific and the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center (UHCC), released a summary of findings that are a culmination of six years of teamwork. KRS students provided the exercise intervention as part of their practicum, providing them with hands-on learning and direct patient care experience. The study aims to grow our understanding of breast cancer patient and survivor health.

Body Composition

1. Bone Density: On average, post-menopausal breast cancer patients can lose up to 8% of bone mineral density (BMD) per year. However, our patients only experience an average of -2% loss of BMD, similar to the average BMD loss of women who never had breast cancer.
2. Body Concerns: 64% of our patients reported an increase in satisfaction with their body changes and appearance, including whole body fat, abdominal fat, and lean body mass.

 Well-Being & Fatigue

1. Emotional Well-Being: 54% of our patients reported a decrease in emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
2. Physical Well-Being: 61% of our patients reported an increase in energy levels.
3. Functional Well-Being: 52% of our patients reported an increase in their ability to perform their daily tasks.
4. Fatigue: 63% of our patients reported a decrease in fatigue, leading to improved quality of life (ex. mood, sociability, walking ability).

 Arm Concerns & Strength

1. Arm Concerns: 50% of our patients reported a decrease in arm pain relating to their breast cancer treatment. Shoulder range of motion was also improved at 1 year. This suggests that range of motion improves with exercise, but may take 6+ months of training to see improvements.
2. Strength & Aerobic Endurance significantly improved with exercise training, and fitness was maintained at 1 year regardless if assigned to group or individual exercise.

 MOTS-c

1. MOTS-c is a peptide made by the mitochondria which has been shown to improve glucose metabolism, reduce inflammation, and protect against cardiovascular disease. During exercise, MOTS-c levels increase in skeletal muscle and the bloodstream, so increased MOTS-c levels are beneficial.
2. 60% of our patients showed increased MOTS-c levels and were considered high responders (>10pg/ml), suggesting that exercise guards against natural age-related decline in MOTS-c.