Purpose: To determine the physical fitness level of women consulting a Wellness Centre implemented within a clinical environment. Methods: Physical activity and fitness evaluation of 157 regular patients and breast cancer survivors was performed at the Wellness Centre of the VM Medical Breast and Oncology Centre. All patients were evaluated for muscular strength in the lower back, abdominal, upper body and forearm regions. Their aerobic fitness was also evaluated on a treadmill using a Bruce protocol. The women’s level of strength and fitness levels were compared to the CPAFLA normative aged matched data. Results:
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Table 1: Participant score distribution using the CPAFLA scale |
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|
Excellent |
Very good |
Good |
Fair |
Need improvement |
Not done |
|
|
Back Extension |
46 (29.3) |
31 (19.7) |
27 (17.2) |
19 (12.1) |
7 (4.5) |
27 (17.2) |
|
Partial Curl up |
59 (37.6) |
27 (17.2) |
37 (23.6) |
6 (3.8) |
28 (17.8) |
0 (0) |
|
Hand grip Strength |
13 (8.3) |
28 (17.8) |
22 (14.0) |
29 (18.5) |
51 (32.5) |
14 (8.9) |
|
Partial Push up |
40 (25.5) |
50 (31.8) |
26 (16.6) |
10 (6.4) |
3 (1.9) |
28 (17.8) |
|
Trunk forward flexion |
16 (10.2) |
19 (12.1) |
21 (13.4) |
32 (20.4) |
43 (27.4) |
26 (16.6) |
|
Aerobic Fitness Bruce test |
6 (3.8) |
3 (1.9) |
29 (18.5) |
19 (12.1) |
58 (36.9) |
42 (26.8) |
|
Numbers represent n patients in each category. Numbers in parentheses represent relative (%) to total group. |
Conclusion: Many of the participants scored well on the lower back (back extension) and abdominal (partial curl up) strength but scored poorly on handgrip strength. Most of the participants were classified as needing improvement in cardiovascular fitness. The CPFLA testing protocol in women touched by breast cancer appears to be an effective tool to identify strengths and weaknesses and may provide a source of extrinsic motivation to become more physically active.