Comparison of the effects of low- versus High-Supervision exercise on breast cancer survivorship outcomes
Mené sur 60 patientes ayant survécu à un cancer du sein, cet essai randomisé évalue l'intérêt, pour prévenir le risque de lymphoedème et améliorer la qualité de vie, d'un programme d'exercices physiques comportant 5 ou 20 sessions supervisées
Background: Supervised exercise may provide greater functional and quality of life benefits than unsupervised programs after cancer and is recommended for those with or at risk of breast cancer–related lymphedema. These exploratory analyses compared the effect of low- versus high-supervision exercise on the secondary, survivorship outcomes of the SAFE breast cancer trial.
Methods: This randomized study (ANZCTR: ACTRN12616000547448) compared a 12-week, exercise program (target 150 minutes/week, moderate-intensity) supported by either five (LOW) or 20 (HIGH) supervised sessions. Inclusion criteria included: stage ll+ breast cancer within five years, ≥ one comorbidity and/or treatment-related adverse effect and insufficiently active. Outcomes included lymphedema (self-report and bioimpedance spectroscopy), arm symptoms, upper-extremity function (PROMIS Bank v1.2-Upper- Extremity), fatigue, pain, pain interference, pain intensity, physical function, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction with social roles (PROMIS-43 Profile v1.0). Chi-square tests evaluated between-group symptom changes. Generalized estimating equations assessed time, group, and time×group effects under an intention-to-treat, two-sided framework.
Results: Sixty women (mean age, 50 years) were randomized to LOW (n = 30) versus HIGH (n = 30). At follow-up, both groups showed similar lymphedema prevalence, comparable rates of maintained or improved arm symptoms, and within-group improvements (p < .05) in fatigue, physical function, sleep, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction with social roles and activities. Potential for superior benefit in HIGH versus LOW was observed for self-reported range of movement, upper-extremity function, and pain interference and intensity (p < .05).
Conclusion: Findings indicate that breast cancer survivors with or at risk of lymphedema can benefit from exercise, even when supervision is limited.
JNCI Cancer Spectrum , résumé, 2026