Effect of 12 weeks Aerobic Exercise Training on Some Characteristics of Immune System and General Health of Women with Breast Cancer

This research aimed to analyze the effect of 12 weeks aerobic exercise training on some characteristics of immune system and general health of women with breast cancer. 40 female with breast cancer, undertaking chemotherapy, were classified in exercise group with mean age of 36/9±13/2 years, weight of 67/2±9/95 kilograms and body mass index of 21/9±2/9 kg/m2 and control group with mean age of 38/6±10/1 years, weight of 65/1±8/28 kilograms and body mass index of 21/4±2/1kg/m2. Exercise group Perfored in 12 contionous weeks walking with moderate intensity (based on Modified-Borg scale and 40-60% Maximum Heart rate)/3 times a week/30-45 minutes in each session. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used for evaluating general health level. Before and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks CBC DIFF test was conducted for aim of assessing some characteristics of immune system. CANCOVA was used to determine the pure effect of exercise intervention. The data were analyzed with significant level of p≤0/05 and by SPSS 16. General health and hope of life was decreased significantly after intervention in control group (p≤0.05). Number of leukocytes of exercise group was higher after the exercise intervention, but this difference was not significant, but number of leukocytes of control group was decreased significantly (p≥0.05). Regular aerobic exercise with moderate intensity is an effective way in maintenance the number of leukocytes, improving immune system and enhancing levels of general health.