Author Identifier
Christelle Schofield: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6322-0287
Dennis R. Taaffe: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6381-1597
Laurien M. Buffart: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8095-436X
Robert U. Newton: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0302-6129
Daniel Galvão: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8209-2281
Carolyn J. Peddle-McIntyre: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9913-4022
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume
33
Issue
5
PubMed ID
40208352
Publisher
Springer
School
Exercise Medicine Research Institute / School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
82022
Funders
Edith Cowan University / Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship / Western Australian Cancer Council
Abstract
Aim: Advanced-stage ovarian cancer survivors often have compromised muscle morphology (muscle mass and density), muscle function (muscle strength and physical function), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We recently reported improvements in these outcomes following resistance training. Information on the resistance exercise dose required to improve health-related outcomes is still lacking in this cancer group. Here we examined the exercise dose delivered and the effect of the delivered dose on changes in outcomes of interest. Methods: Twelve women with stage III or IV ovarian cancer completed a 12-week supervised resistance exercise intervention. Exercise metrics included compliance (exercise dose completed), dose modifications (sessions modified) and tolerance (rating of perceived exertion; RPE). Participants were allocated to lower (< 63%) or higher (> 63%) exercise compliance based on median split. Differences in change to muscle morphology, muscle function and HRQoL between compliance groups were investigated. Results: Median compliance and session RPE were 63.0% and 13 (somewhat hard), respectively. Dose reductions occurred in 92.7% of sessions. Both groups experienced improvements in muscle morphology and function. Higher compliance was associated with greater improvements in whole body lean mass (+ 1.3 kg vs. + 0.5 kg) and lower body strength (+ 50 kg vs. + 13 kg). Only the lower compliance group experienced a clinically significant improvement in 400-m walk time (-48.4 s vs. -9.4 s). Both groups experienced clinically meaningful improvements in social and cognitive functioning. Conclusion: Relatively lower doses of resistance exercise may benefit advanced-stage ovarian cancer survivors. Exercise programs may need to be flexible and individualized to fit the needs of this cancer group.
DOI
10.1007/s00520-025-09401-0
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Schofield, C., Mol, M., Taaffe, D. R., Buffart, L. M., Lopez, P., Newton, R. U., ... & Peddle-McIntyre, C. J. (2025). Resistance exercise dose effects on muscle morphology, muscle function and quality of life in advanced-stage ovarian cancer survivors. Supportive Care in Cancer, 33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09401-0