Exercise training is an important part of Cardio[1]Oncology rehabilitation, and considered as a trend in adjuvant treatments for cardiotoxic patients (CP). Using Aerobic Exercise as moderate-intensity continuous training (MIT) may improve the cardiovascular function of CP. Kaatsu training is a new training method that based on the partial Blood Flow Restriction training (BFR) on the limbs that causes positively influence on cardiovascular function. Therefore, the present study compares the effect of Aerobic Exercise as MIT with and without BFR on Cardiovascular function of Cardiotoxic patients after Breast Cancer (BC) therapy.

In this clinical trial, 68 female patients with cardiotoxicity after treatment for BC, were randomly (1:1) assigned to MIT and MIT+BFR groups. all participants, performed protocol on a treadmill 3days/week for 12weeks. The training intensity was determined according to the Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and LV function was assessed by Echocardiogram. before and after Interventions, analysis was performed to compare means of 2D and 3D Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, Global Longitudinal Strain, Global Circumferential Strain and VO2 reserve between and within groups. Analysis of Covariance was used to compare the results.

Based on the results of this research, the changes in the means of Echocardiographic parameters and VO2 reserve were statistically significant among all the patients irrespective of exercise type, however, the mean of study parameters, were significantly increased in the MIT with BFR group (P <0.05).

In summary, it seems that the difference between the groups is more related to the BFR, Therefore, regardless of the type of exercise, the present study suggests the use of a combination of MIT with BFR as a way to make positive changes in Cardiovascular Function of CP. 

Sara Adimi is an Assistant Professor at the Cardio-Oncology department of Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Tehran, Iran. She received her B.Sc. degree in Occupational Therapy and Ph.D. degree in Exercise Physiology from University of social welfare and rehabilitation and Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. In 2013 and 2021, also she is a Kaatsu specialist since 2017. Her doctoral research focused on Noble Cardiac Rehabilitation for Cardiotoxic patients after Breast Cancer therapy, she currently has concurrent research in evaluation of clinical outcome after Cardio_ Oncology Rehabilitation to manage Cardiotoxicity related to cancer therapies. She has published some articles about Cardio-Oncology in reputable journals.