Resistance Training to Improve Fatigue and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors

The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is a 20-item self-report instrument designed to measure fatigue. It covers the following dimensions: General Fatigue, Physical Fatigue, Mental Fatigue, Reduced Motivation and Reduced Activity. Each scale contains four items for which the person had to indicate on a seven-point scale to what extent the particular statement applies to him or her. An equal number of items is worded in a positive and in a negative direction to counteract response tendencies.

Although the HAM-D form lists 21 items, the scoring is based on the first 17. Eight items are scored on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 = not present to 4 = severe. Nine are scored from 0-2.

Berg Balance Scale is an observer rated scale developed to rate fall risk that consists of 14 items (0-4 point scale) of mobility related to balance.

Hand grip strength of both arms will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer. The subjects will be tested while seated with the shoulders adducted, the elbow flexed to 90 degrees, and the forearm in a neutral position. The subjects will be instructed to "squeeze as hard as possible" during 3-5 second efforts.

The subjects will be asked to perform the leg press and leg extension exercises at 60% of maximum strength as many times as they can before fatigue, paced by a metronome set to 30. Endurance in the right and left legs will be tested separately using equipment that is built to isolate single leg movement.

Standardized strength assessment protocol that includes 4-6 trials with rest periods of the leg extension, leg press, and chest press exercises will be used. Strength in the right and left legs will be tested separately.

Subjects are observed and timed while they rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. The total time to complete this task will be recorded.

Self-selected and fastest-comfortable floor walking velocity will be determined from 30 meter walks with subjects using the same assistive device and/or orthosis as normally used to "walk across the room at home."

Subjects will be asked to perform various tasks to assess functional gait including stepping onto a small stool, doing a turn, and picking a small object off the floor. Participants will be scored on their ability to perform each task without difficulty. A total score out of a maximum of 30 points will be reported.

Subjects will use the same assistive device typically used and will be instructed to cover as much distance as they can in six minutes over a flat walking surface.

RMR will be measured using the ventilated hood technique while subjects lie quietly in bed for 30-45 mins under a clear plastic hood with expired air collected through a one-way valve. RMR will be measured at rest under fasting conditions. It will be reported as a continuous variable of kilocalories/day.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) is a key transcription coactivator regulating energy metabolism in a tissue-specific manner. PGC-1α level will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood sample.

Kynurenic acid is a product of the normal metabolism of amino acid L-tryptophan. It has been shown that kynurenic acid possesses neuroactive activity. Kynurenic acid level will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood sample. .

IL-6 is an interleukin that acts as both a pro-inflammatory cytokine and an anti-inflammatory marker in skeletal muscle. IL-6 level will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood sample.

tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a cell signaling protein (cytokine) involved in systemic inflammation and is one of the cytokines that make up the acute phase reaction.TNF-α protein level will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood sample.