Change in Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Survivors After Resistance Training: Is There an Effect of Age?

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of age on quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors after resistance training, 20 women were assigned to 1 of 2 groups based on age (YRT 40-59 yr, ORT 60-80 yr). Both groups completed 3 sets of 8 exercises twice a week for 8 wk. Measurements were obtained before and after the training program. QOL was measured using the Body Image and Relationship Scale (BIRS). Both groups improved in chest press (p < .001), leg press (p < .001), arm curls (p < .05), and chair stands (p < .001). For QOL, YRT reported greater improvements compared with ORT in BIRS total score (Group × Time interaction, p = .002) and strength and health subscale score (Group × Time interaction, p = .001), and greater age was related to greater perceived impairment (BIRS total: r = .61, p = .004; strength and health subscale: r = .69, p = .001). Despite significant improvements in strength and function, older women perceived relatively little improvement in QOL compared with younger women, and age had a differential negative influence on improvements in QOL.