Improving muscular endurance with the MVe Fitness ChairTM in breast cancer survivors: A feasibility and efficacy study

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.