Author Identifier (ORCID)
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
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.
Keywords
Advanced ovarian cancer, Exercise dose, Muscle morphology, Resistance exercise
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
5-1-2025
Volume
33
Issue
5
PubMed ID
40208352
Publication Title
Supportive Care in Cancer
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
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