NCT07460492

Plyometric Strength-Endurance Exercise in Breast Cancer

Therapeutic Plyometric-Based Strength-Endurance Exercise Program for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors to Improve Quality of Life and Physical and Mental Function

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 51 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Vigo · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to compare an adapted plyometric strength-endurance exercise program with conventional strength training in women who are breast cancer survivors or currently undergoing treatment and who participate in provincial support associations. The goal is to determine whether a targeted plyometric intervention can provide additional benefits in physical and mental health outcomes. Using a cluster-randomized clinical trial design, the study will assess indicators such as functional capacity, muscle strength, fatigue levels, symptoms related to lymphedema, and overall quality of life. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how structured exercise programs can support recovery, physical function, and well-being in women affected by breast cancer.

Detailed description

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment that have improved survival rates, many patients and survivors continue to experience physical and psychological impairments that negatively affect their quality of life. Historically, intense or repetitive upper-limb exercise was discouraged due to concerns about triggering or worsening lymphedema. However, current evidence supports supervised therapeutic exercise as both safe and effective for this population. Strength training, in particular, has demonstrated benefits in muscle mass, physical function, bone health, fatigue reduction, and emotional well-being. Most existing research has focused on conventional strength training programs, leaving a gap in the evidence regarding more dynamic approaches, such as strength-endurance training involving plyometric exercises. Research on plyometrics within oncology remains limited and has been conducted primarily in pediatric populations, such as survivors of childhood leukemia or children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Nevertheless, plyometric training-traditionally used in athletic performance and in patients with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions-may offer significant therapeutic potential for women living with or recovering from breast cancer. Plyometric exercises are known to enhance muscular power, balance, proprioception, and neuromuscular control, all of which are essential for restoring functional capacity and independence. Their dynamic, progressive nature may also support greater motivation and adherence, potentially translating into improvements in mental health, self-esteem, and body image. In summary, plyometric-based strength-endurance training represents an innovative and promising approach to improving quality of life, functional performance, and overall well-being in women who are survivors of breast cancer or currently undergoing treatment. This study aims to address the existing evidence gap by evaluating the therapeutic effects of an adapted plyometric program compared with conventional strength training within a controlled clinical trial framework.

Conditions

• Neoplams
• Patients
• Cancer Survivors

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Plyometric Strength-Endurance Training	Participants in the experimental group will take part in an adapted plyometric strength-endurance training program delivered through supervised 60-minute sessions, twice per week, over a 12-week period (24 sessions total). A minimum rest interval of 48 hours will be maintained between sessions. The frequency and duration of the intervention follow the recommendations of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for safe implementation of plyometric and strength-endurance exercise in adult populations.
OTHER	Conventional Strength Training	Participants assigned to the control group will perform a conventional strength training program. This program has been designed as an active and structured intervention to allow a meaningful comparison with the effects of the plyometric training implemented in the experimental group. The exercise circuit will include functional movements aimed at global strengthening, with an emphasis on multi-joint patterns that promote transfer of improvements to activities of daily living.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-20
• Primary completion: 2026-07-20
• Completion: 2027-12-31
• First posted: 2026-03-10
• Last updated: 2026-03-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Spain