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Selected Works of Eric Martin
Article
Improving muscular endurance with the MVe Fitness ChairTM in breast cancer survivors: A feasibility and efficacy study
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (2013)
  • Eric Martin, University of Notre Dame Australia
  • Claudio Battaglini, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Diane Groff, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Fiona Naumann, University of New South Wales
Link
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of delivering Pilates exercises for resistance training to
breast cancer survivors using the MVe Fitness ChairTM.
Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial.
Methods: Twenty-six female breast cancer survivors were randomized to use the MVe Fitness ChairTM
(n = 8),traditional resistance training (n = 8), or a control group (no exercise)(CO)(n = 10). The MVe Fitness
ChairTM and traditional resistance training groups completed 8 weeks of exercise. Muscular endurance
was assessed pre and post-test for comparisons within and between groups using push ups, curl ups, and
the Dynamic Muscular Endurance Test Battery for Cancer Patients of Various Ages.
Results: Feasibility of the MVe Fitness ChairTM was good, evidenced by over 80% adherence for both
exercise groups and positive narrative feedback. Significant improvements in muscular endurance were
observed in the MVe Fitness ChairTM (p < 0.002) and traditional resistance training groups (p < 0.001),
but there were no differences in improvement between the MVe Fitness ChairTM and traditional resistance
training groups (p < 0.711) indicating that Pilates and traditional resistance training may be equally
effective at improving muscular endurance in this population.
Conclusions: The MVe Fitness ChairTM is feasible for use in breast cancer survivors. It appears to promote
similar improvements in muscular endurance when compared to traditional resistance training, but has
several advantages over traditional resistance training, including cost, logistics, enjoyment, and ease of
learning.
Keywords
  • Exercise,
  • Oncology,
  • Resistance training,
  • Pilates,
  • Patient preference
Disciplines
Publication Date
July, 2013
DOI
10.1016/j.jsams.2012.08.012
Citation Information
Eric Martin, Claudio Battaglini, Diane Groff and Fiona Naumann. "Improving muscular endurance with the MVe Fitness ChairTM in breast cancer survivors: A feasibility and efficacy study" Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 16 Iss. 4 (2013) p. 372 - 376
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/eric-alexander-martin/5/