24 Jun Resistance Exercise May Improve Cancer Survival

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: 
Xuemei Sui, MD, MPH, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Science
Division of Health Aspects of Physical Activity
Arnold School of Public Health
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208

MedicalResearch: What are the main findings of the study?

Dr. Sui: In the present study, cancer survivors who reported performing resistance exercise (RE) at least 1 day of the week had a 33% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with individuals who did not report participation in resistance exercise.  Further, there was an inverse relationship between resistance exercise and all-cause mortality in those who were physically active, but not in those who were physically inactive.  Although leisure-time physical activity was not associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, the present results support the benefits of resistance exercise and physical activity was during cancer survival.

MedicalResearch: Were any of the findings unexpected?

Dr. Sui: Our results are consistent with previous literature demonstrating positive effects of exercise in cancer patients.  Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable risk factor known to decrease the occurrence of disease and all-cause mortality in healthy populations.  Additionally, regular PA can lead to the maintenance of and/or improvements in body composition, physical function, and overall quality of life in cancer survivors.

MedicalResearch: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Sui: This is the first prospective study to examine the associations between resistance exercise and all-cause mortality in cancer survivors.  Although preliminary, clinicians should be aware of the long-term benefits of regular physical activity participation, especially resistance exercise in cancer survivors.

MedicalResearch: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Sui: Future prospective randomized controlled trials should be designed to address potential mechanisms between resistance exercise and health outcomes, including all-cause and disease-specific mortality, during cancer survival.

Last Updated on June 24, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD