Key result
Individualized aerobic exercise increases VO2 peak by ~7 mL/kg/min during systemic chemotherapy.
Why the study?
Aerobic exercise is well documented to treat non-cancer-related CVD, but research regarding optimal dosing for patients with cancer receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy is needed.
Does a 12-week low-intensity, individualized aerobic exercise program improve cardiorespiratory fitness and symptoms in a breast cancer patient undergoing systemic chemotherapy?
Case Report (n=1)
No
Does a 12-week low-intensity, individualized aerobic exercise program improve cardiorespiratory fitness and symptoms in a breast cancer patient undergoing systemic chemotherapy?
A 12-week individualized, low-intensity aerobic exercise program guided by smart watch heart rate monitoring improved peak oxygen consumption by 7 mL/kg/min and reduced fatigue in a breast cancer patient undergoing systemic chemotherapy.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports feasibility in one chemotherapy patient; hypothesis-generating and leaves open efficacy for broader populations.
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is commonly seen in cancer survivors. Multiple treatment modalities for breast cancer can cause cardiotoxicity during or even decades after treatment. Aerobic exercise has been well documented to treat non-cancer-related CVD; however, research regarding optimal dosing within the cancer population is needed. This case report discusses the examination, evaluation, and treatment of a patient with breast cancer receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Case Description: This patient presented with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, elevated heart rate, and shortness of breath when climbing the stairs after completing systemic chemotherapies doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. She was preparing to start paclitaxel treatments and was at risk for further deconditioning and neurotoxic side effects from this treatment. Additionally, she had developed an anal fissure which further negatively affected her quality of life. A low-intensity aerobic exercise program was chosen for this patient with the utilization of her smart watch to ensure she was exercising at her prescribed target heart rate. Outcomes: The patient demonstrated a 7-mL/kg/min increase in peak volume of oxygen consumption following a 12-week physical therapy program. She reported decreased fatigue levels, an ability to climb up and down the steps carrying a laundry basket without reports of her heart racing, and reduced pain with her anal fissure. Discussion and Conclusion: This case highlights how implementation of a low-intensity, individualized aerobic exercise program prescribed as a progressive weekly target heart rate contributed to positive outcomes in cardiorespiratory fitness during systemic chemotherapy.
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Veronica Griesemer (2026) conducted a case report in Breast cancer with chemotherapy-induced cardiorespiratory deconditioning (n=1). Low-intensity individualized aerobic exercise program within physical therapy was evaluated on Change in peak volume of oxygen consumption (VO2 peak). A 12-week low-intensity individualized aerobic exercise program increased peak oxygen consumption by 7 mL/kg/min and reduced fatigue during systemic chemotherapy.
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