Author(s): LEE, J., PARK, H., Institution: KYUNG HEE UNIVERSITY - GLOBAL CAMPUS, Country: KOREA, SOUTH, Abstract-ID: 804

INTRODUCTION:
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, significantly impacting survivors' quality of life and increasing healthcare burdens. Obesity is a known risk factor for cancer recurrence, emphasizing the need for effective interventions among breast cancer survivors.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 24-week evidence-based non-face-to-face exercise and intermittent fasting intervention on the body composition, physical fitness, blood biomarkers, gut microbiome, and psychological factors of obese breast cancer survivors.
METHODS:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with breast cancer survivors who completed treatment and remained cancer-free for at least one year. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group, which underwent a 24-week exercise and intermittent fasting program, or a control group. The intervention included bodyweight resistance exercises and intermittent fasting with a 16-hour fasting window. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess interactions between time and group regarding body composition, physical fitness, blood biomarkers, gut microbiome, and psychological factors with partial η² values indicating effect size.
RESULTS:
A total of 38 participants were recruited and assigned to two groups: 19 in the intervention group and 19 in the control group. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in body composition, including reductions in visceral fat and increases in strength. Also, blood biomarkers showed improvement, with a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels. Participants also experienced enhanced gut microbiota diversity and reduced psychological distress, such as depression and stress.
CONCLUSION:
This study confirmed positive changes in body composition, physical fitness, blood biomarkers, gut microbiota, and psychological factors including depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. These results support the notion that exercise plays an important role in enhancing the overall health of breast cancer survivors. Various physiological mechanisms are associated with the benefits of exercise and intermittent fasting for breast cancer survivors. Weight management and muscle mass increase enhance metabolic efficiency and reduce inflammation, which plays a crucial role in preventing cancer recurrence. Furthermore, the effects of these interventions are associated with the stability of insulin and glucose levels, and intermittent fasting is linked to positive effects on glucose metabolism regulation, lipid profiles, and stress hormones, which can enhance cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of heart disease, and strengthen the immune system to lower the possibility of cancer recurrence. The findings of this study support the potential of exercise and intermittent fasting as practical lifestyle modifications that can contribute to the physiological and psychological well-being of breast cancer survivors.