Women who have undergone breast cancer surgery are often advised to take it easy with physical activity.
Strength training and heavy lifting, in particular, are typically postponed.
According to HealthDay, this caution stems from concerns about complications, especially among patients who have had lymph nodes removed or undergone major surgery.
As a result, recommendations have long been characterized by caution.
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Exercise after surgery
A new study presented in Seattle at a meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons examined what happens when patients train more intensively.
Nearly 200 women participated in a three-month strength training program.
The participants had undergone different types of surgery. During the program, they trained with progressively increasing loads.
According to HealthDay, the results showed that the women improved their strength, mobility, and balance. At the same time, they were able to return to their daily routines more quickly.
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New perspectives
The training was more demanding than current recommendations.
Within just a few weeks, several participants were lifting heavy weights, and some reached even higher levels later in the program.
The results were consistent regardless of the type of surgery the participants had undergone. This suggests that more patients may benefit from more intensive training.
The study has not yet been peer-reviewed. Nevertheless, it indicates that current guidelines may be overly cautious and that strength training should play a more prominent role in rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery.
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Sources: HealthDay and the American Society of Breast Surgeons.
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