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Optimising prescription for metastatic breast cancer patients through a three-level submaximal exercise test protocol
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Optimising prescription for metastatic breast cancer patients through a three-level submaximal exercise test protocol

Antonio Ignacio Cuesta-Vargas, Jena Buchan, Bella Pajares, Emilio Alba, Sofía Ruiz-Medina, Manuel Trinidad-Fernández, Estíbaliz Díaz-Balboa and Cristina Roldán-Jiménez
Disability and rehabilitation, Vol.First online, pp.1-10
25/06/2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2692847
PMID: 42349471
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications

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Abstract

assessment breast cancer exercise prescription Metastatic cancer-related fatigue submaximal exercise test
Purpose: Exercise prescription in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) requires individualised assessment to maximise effectiveness and safety. This study examined feasibility of a three-level submaximal exercise test protocol to assess physical capacity in MBC. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study (n = 70) assessed physical capacity in women with MBC using a multi-stage treadmill test, 30-second sit-to-stand (30STS), and a 120-second adapted burpees test, performed consecutively if progression criteria were met. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Secondary outcomes included cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and upper- and lower-limb functionality (ULFI and LLFI). Results: Sixty-four participants completed the multi-stage treadmill test, 70 completed the 30STS, and 5 (those meeting progression criteria) performed adapted burpees. HR and RPE increased progressively with exercise intensity, with highest values during adapted burpees. Women reported low-to-moderate levels of CRF (mean PFS-R: 4.5, standard deviation [SD]: 2.5) and moderate-to-high upper- and lower-limb functionality (mean ULFI: 70.8%, SD: 20.3; LLFI: 68.4%,SD: 26.4). Conclusion: Multi-level physical capacity testing appears feasible in MBC, particularly at submaximal levels, although higher-intensity tests may be limited to a small subset when using progression criteria and highlight importance of individualisation. Incorporating self-reported measures may enhance the comprehensive evaluation of patient function and limitations.

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