Although cognition declines with age, cancer may increase that decline, either through cancer treatment or decreased quality of life (QOL) accompanied with increased anxiety and depression. Cross-sectional research shows that more active breast cancer survivors (BCS) have higher cognitive function and better QOL; however, longitudinal data are needed. Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of 3 months of functional impact training (FIT) on cognition and QOL compared to yin yoga in BCS. It was hypothesized that FIT would experience greater improvements in cognition compared to yin yoga, but similar improvements in QOL compared to yin yoga. Methods: Forty-five BCS (60.5±8.3 yrs; BMI: 29.2±7.1 kg/m2) were recruited to complete Trail-Making Test A and B [TMTA (processing speed), TMTB (executive function)], Digit Span Forward (attention) and Backward (working memory), and Controlled Oral Word Association Test [COWAT (executive function)] to assess cognitive domains. QOL was measured using the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36). The BCS were stratified by breast cancer stage, type of cancer treatment, and lean mass to participate in either FIT or yin yoga. Participants assigned to the FIT group completed 3 months of supervised exercise training sessions consisting of exercises that were performed using body weight, dumbbells, step benches, stability balls, and mats. These exercises were high impact and included jumping and hopping. Each exercise session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was completed twice per week. The intensity of the exercise program started out low to prevent injury and to introduce participants to the exercises and then intensity was gradually increased over the course of the 3 months. Exercises performed included squat jumps, jump lunges, push-ups, dumbbell rows, shoulder presses, biceps curls, triceps extensions, and planks. The participants progressed to more high impact versions of these exercises throughout the duration of the exercise program. All sessions were monitored and led by a certified fitness professional and all exercise sets and repetitions were recorded. Participants assigned to the yin yoga group completed 3 months of supervised yin yoga training sessions, which consisted of exercises that focus on stretching and relaxation. Exercises were lying or seated and were performed on a yoga mat using equipment such as yoga blocks, straps, and bolsters. Each yin yoga session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was completed twice per week. Baseline and 3-month changes in cognitive function and QOL were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance was accepted at p≤0.05. Results: There were no group by time differences on any of the cognitive or QOL measures in the intent-to-treat analysis or for those that completed the study. There were no significant differences from baseline on any of the cognitive measures for FIT; however, yin yoga significantly improved in the COWAT Total score from baseline (p=.03). From baseline to 3 months, FIT significantly improved in role limitations/physical (p=.04), emotional well-being (p=.01), and general health (p=.01) while yin yoga saw significant improvements in physical functioning (p=.03), emotional well-being (p=.03), and general health (p=.02) domains within the SF-36. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings indicate that neither a FIT, combining resistance and aerobic training, nor a yin yoga program had significant improvements in cognition over 3 months. Both FIT and yin yoga may be viable options for maintenance of cognition during aging, since both saw neither a significant increase or decrease in scores. FIT and yin yoga did however demonstrate significant improvements in QOL over the 3 months of the study. Along with recent literature, it seems that exercise and yoga may both be non-pharmaceutical options for improving QOL in BCS. Further research is needed to examine the effects of FIT and yin yoga on cognition in BCS. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Spring Semester 2018. / March 7, 2018. / breast, cancer, cognition, exercise, survivors, yoga / Includes bibliographical references. / Lynn Panton, Professor Directing Thesis; Jeong-Su Kim, Committee Member; Laurie Grubbs, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_653443 |
| Contributors | Hunt, Rachael Leigha (author), Panton, Lynn B. (professor directing thesis), Kim, Jeong-Su (committee member), Grubbs, Laurie, 1951- (committee member), Florida State University (degree granting institution), College of Human Sciences (degree granting college), Department of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Science (degree granting departmentdgg) |
| Publisher | Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text, master thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (99 pages), computer, application/pdf |
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