Effect of Six-Week Resistance Training with Thera-Band and Combined Training on Static and Dynamic Balance in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial

Background: Balance impairment is related to breast cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of six-week resistance training with Thera-Band and combined training (training with Thera-Band and core stability training) on static and dynamic balance in breast cancer survivors. Methods: In this randomized controlled trail, we divided 75 patients with breast cancer into three groups: 1) resistance training group (n=25, age= 46±5.82, BMI= 25.7±3.9), combined training group, (n=25, age= 48.9 ± 7.06, BMI=24.6 ± 3.5), and control group (n=25, age= 46±7.15, BMI= 25.17±3.7). Afterwards, we employed Single leg standing and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) to measure the static balance; Four Square Step Test (FSST) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) were further used for dynamic balance in pre- and post-test. Exercise program was performed by two training groups for six weeks and three sessions per week. Resistance training with Thera-Band group performed 13 resistance trainings with Thera-Band. In combined group, resistance training was similar to Thera-Band group, but combined group were performed seven core stability trainings. We analyzed the data by two-way repeated measurements ANOVA using the software package SPSS V.22. Results: Results showed that there were no significant interaction effects indicating an exercise specific development, depending on the type of exercise or control condition (P>0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant deference among the resistance training with Thera-Band, the combined exercise, and the control groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the six-week resistance training with Thera- Band and combined training (training with Thera-Band and core stability training) has no positive effects on static and dynamic balance in breast cancer survivors. We recommend that more studies be conducted in this regard.