Indirect method for estimating maximum oxygen consumption in breast cancer survivors and healthy controls

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the prediction of the V̇O₂max in breast cancer survivors and a control group (CG) of women without a history of cancer. It is a case-control study. Seventeen women in the breast cancer survivors (49.4 ± 8.9 years, body mass index [BMI] of 27.8 ± 2.7 kg·m^-2) and 17 in the CG (47.9 ± 7.4 years, BMI of 26.2 ± 4.4 kg·m^-2) were evaluated. The six-minute walk test (SMWT) was evaluated with a heart rate monitor, digital blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter and the Borg scale. The V̇O₂max it was estimated with an equation that considered the distance traveled, body weight and age. The survivors group walked 34.8 meters more than the CG (p = .15). In addition, group showed a trend (p = .05), with a moderate effect size (d = .76), towards an increase in V̇O₂max (1.74 ± .26 L·min^-1) compared to the CG (1.56 ± .21 L·min^-1). There were no differences between the groups for the variables of heart rate, blood pressure and perceived exertion during the test (p > .05). The participants who covered the longest distance had a better chance of a V̇O₂max higher (odds ratio = 12.7; p = .002). There were differences in the V̇O₂max between groups, this physical fitness should be considered for post-operated treatment and monitoring.