The impact of aerobic exercises on bone mineral density in breast cancer women during endocrine therapy.

BACKGROUND The assessment of the impact aerobic exercises on bone mineral density in breast cancer women during endocrine therapy (ET). MATERIAL/METHODS The study included 53 women (mean 44.3 ±SD 4.9) during breast cancer treatment. This was a nonrandomized, prospective clinical study. The following examinations of the assessment of bone in the DEXA were measured: the bone mineral density of the neck of a femur (FN), lumbar region L₁-L₄, and total body (TB) as well as defining of T-score and Z-score. The examinations were conducted for all the patients according to the schedule: before the beginning of ET, after 6 months of ET and after 12 months of ET (after 6 month aerobic training). RESULTS After the first 6 months of ET without regular physical exercise the following results were noted: the BMD mean value of FN, in the L₁-L₄ spine region and in TB were significant lower than the initial value. After 6 month aerobic training, in the 12th month of the follow up, the BMD mean value of FN was 1.1% (p>0.05) lower, while in the L₁-L₄ spine region it was 5.6% (p<0.05) lower, and in TB 2.7% (p<0.05) lower in comparison to the values in the sixth month of the observation. CONCLUSIONS That even short course of ET is related to changes in bone mineral density. The introduction of aerobic exercises caused a slowdown in negative changes in bones.