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01-07-2021 | Breast Cancer | Original Article

Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognitive function in postmenopausal women with breast cancer

Authors: Catherine M. Bender, Susan M. Sereika, Amanda L. Gentry, Jennie E. Duquette, Frances E. Casillo, Anna Marsland, Adam M. Brufsky, Steven Evans, Vikram C. Gorantla, Tara L. Grahovac, Priscilla F. McAuliffe, Jennifer G. Steiman, Yehui Zhu, Kirk I. Erickson

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 7/2021

Abstract

Physical activity may improve cognitive function in women with breast cancer. In a cross-sectional study, we explored the relationship between cognitive function and physical activity (actigraph) and cardiorespiratory fitness (sub-maximal graded exercise test) in 73 postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer prior to the initiation of systemic adjuvant therapy. Cognitive function was assessed with a standardized battery of neurocognitive measures assessing eight domains. Data were analyzed using partial correlations, controlling for age and total hours of actigraph wear-time. Women were, on average, 63.71 (± 5.3) years of age with 15.47 (± 2.48) years of education. For physical activity, greater average number of steps per day were associated with better attention (r = .262, p = .032) and psychomotor speed (r = .301, p = .011); greater average hours of moderate and moderate/vigorous intensity physical activity were associated with better visual memory (r = .241, p = .049; r = .241, p = .049, respectively); and greater average daily energy expenditure was associated with better visual memory (r = .270, p = .027) and psychomotor speed (r = .292, p = .017). For fitness, higher peak maximum VO₂ was associated with better concentration (r = .330, p = .006), verbal memory (r = .241, p = .048), and working memory (r = .281, p = .019). These results suggest that higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with better cognitive function in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) to examine whether physical activity improves cognitive function in women with breast cancer are warranted. These RCTs should also determine the mechanisms of the influence of physical activity on cognitive function.

Clinical trials registration number

NCT02793921; Date: May 20, 2016

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Title: Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognitive function in postmenopausal women with breast cancer
Authors: Catherine M. Bender
Susan M. Sereika
Amanda L. Gentry
Jennie E. Duquette
Frances E. Casillo
Anna Marsland
Adam M. Brufsky
Steven Evans
Vikram C. Gorantla
Tara L. Grahovac
Priscilla F. McAuliffe
Jennifer G. Steiman
Yehui Zhu
Kirk I. Erickson
Publication date: 01-07-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 7/2021
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05865-4

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