Purpose: To determine which mode of exercise is preferred by breast cancer survivors and to evaluate this response between graded exercise testing on a treadmill and on a cycle ergometer.
Methods: Twelve breast cancer survivors completed 2 maximal aerobic stress tests on separate days. The women completed a ramp protocol on an electronically braked cycle ergometer and an incremental step protocol on a treadmill to volitional fatigue. Test order was randomized. Expired gases were collected for the determination of peak aerobic capacity (Vo (2peak)).
Results: Exercise mode had a significant effect on the graded exercise response in breast cancer survivors, P = .003. Treadmill Vo (2peak) was significantly greater than bike Vo (2peak) (28.7 ± 4.7 vs 23.9 ± 4.7 mL/min/kg, respectively, P = .003) and VE(max) was equivalent between exercise modes (P = .731). Maximal heart rate was significantly higher by 11 bpm during the treadmill protocol (P = .004), and Ve/VCo (2) exhibited possible mode dependency (P = .018).
Conclusion: This patient population felt more comfortable and produced significantly greater Vo2(peak) values using the treadmill protocol. These results discuss the potential implications concerning the design and interpretation of exercise interventions for breast cancer survivors.