ASPO Abstracts
Circuit, interval-based aerobic and resistance exercise improves metabolic syndrome in Black and Hispanic cancer survivors
Category: Cancer Health Disparities
Conference Year: 2021
Abstract Body:
Purpose Metabolic syndrome (MSY) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes,
and recurrence among cancer and is 1.5 times more common in Black and
Hispanic adults compared to Caucasian counterparts. In addition, Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to be
obese and physically inactive, accelerating the risk for developing MSY. Exercise mitigates MSY, however, few
studies have focused on minority cancer survivors. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of a
16-week circuit, interval-based aerobic and resistance clinical exercise intervention on MSY in Black and Hispanic
survivors of breast, prostate and colorectal cancers.
Methods Sedentary, overweight or obese (BMI>25.0 kg/m2) breast, prostate or colorectal cancer survivors who
self-identified as Black or Hispanic were randomized 2:1 to exercise (n=30) or usual care (n=10). The thrice
weekly 16-week intervention included supervised, periodized moderate-vigorous aerobic (65-85% VO2max) and
resistance (65-85% 1-repetition maximum) exercise performed in a circuit, interval fashion. MSY variables (blood
pressure, waist circumference, triglycerides, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) and related
biomarkers (insulin, insulin resistance- HOMA-IR, C-reactive protein- CRP) were measured at baseline and post-
intervention (week 17). Within and between group differences were assessed by repeated measures ANCOVA.
Results Participants were 66 ± 10.4 years old, overweight (78%), Hispanic (55%), Black (45%), female (60%) and
had undergone chemotherapy + radiation therapy (75%). At baseline, 80% of the patients had MSY. Adherence to
the intervention was 90% and post-intervention assessments were available on 100% of participants. Post-
intervention, all MSY variables, insulin, HOMA-IR and CRP improved significantly in the exercise group when
compared to usual care (p<0.01).
Conclusions A 16-week circuit, interval-based aerobic and resistance clinical exercise intervention improves MSY
in Black and Hispanic survivors of breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. Clinical exercise interventions for
minority cancer survivors may be an integral strategy to offset poor cardiometabolic health and prevent worsening
comorbid conditions.
Keywords: exercise, metabolic syndrome, minority cancer survivors