Effect of Combined Training on Body Image in Women with Breast Cancer: Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract Background: Improvement in body image in women with breast cancer may be linked to altered functional capacity, regardless of body composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined training (CT) on body image in patients with breast cancer. Methods: A Clinical Trial study, this was a controlled study including 26 patients with breast cancer (30 to 59 years). The patients were allotted to either the Training Group (TG)(n = 13), which underwent 12 weeks of CT (aerobic, resistance, and flexibility), or the Control Group (CG) (n = 13), which received only the standard hospital treatment. Participants were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: The patients in the TG showed a significant reduction in the limitation dimension (p = 0.036), and an increase in VO2max (p = < 0.001) and strength in the right (p = 0.005) and left arms (p = 0.033). However, the participants also presented an increase in waist circumference (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Women with breast cancer presented improved body image and functional ability through CT. Trial registration: NCT03061773. Date: February 23, 2017, retrospective.