How Aerobic Exercise Reduces Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors
Mar 19, 2025
By Andrew Wilson
How Aerobic Exercise Reduces Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors
Why This Research Matters for Your Health and Wellness Journey
For women undergoing breast cancer treatment, managing side effects is a crucial part of maintaining quality of life. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), commonly used in hormone therapy for postmenopausal women with breast cancer, can cause significant musculoskeletal symptoms, including joint pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness. This study investigates whether aerobic exercise can help mitigate these symptoms, providing an alternative to pain medications and enhancing long-term well-being.
Key Findings from the Study: Aerobic Exercise and Aromatase Inhibitor–Associated Musculoskeletal Symptoms
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Aerobic exercise prevents pain from worsening. Women who engaged in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for six months did not experience an increase in musculoskeletal pain, while those in the control group saw a significant rise in pain severity.
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Exercise may reduce pain prevalence. A higher percentage of participants in the control group reported a clinically significant increase in pain compared to the exercise group.
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Pain medication use was lower in the exercise group. Women who did not exercise were more likely to increase their use of over-the-counter pain medications.
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Early intervention matters. Engaging in exercise early in AI therapy may prevent pain from escalating over time.
Background
- Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a common treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
- About 50% of women experience musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMS), including joint pain and stiffness, which often lead to poor adherence to therapy.
- This study investigates whether moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can reduce or prevent these symptoms.
Study Design
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 136 postmenopausal women receiving AI therapy.
- Participants were divided into two groups:
- Exercise Group (n=70) participated in 6 months of supervised moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (150 minutes/week).
- Control Group (n=66) continued with usual care (no structured exercise).
- Pain was measured using Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), SF-36 Bodily Pain Scale, and other self-reported assessments at baseline and after 6 months.
Key Findings
- Aerobic exercise prevented pain from worsening.
- The control group experienced significant increases in pain severity, worst pain, and pain interference.
- The exercise group had no significant pain increases over time.
- Exercise may reduce pain prevalence.
- A greater percentage of women in the control group experienced a clinically significant increase in pain.
- More women in the exercise group reported a reduction in pain.
- Pain medication use increased in the control group.
- The proportion of pain medication users increased in the control group but remained stable in the exercise group.
- Higher adherence to exercise correlated with better pain outcomes.
- Participants who exercised at least 80% of the recommended time experienced greater pain reduction.
- Exercise did not significantly impact cardiorespiratory fitness.
- No major differences were found between groups in fitness levels.
How This Research Impacts Memios’s Focus Areas
Mental Wellness & Emotional Intelligence
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Stress & Anxiety Management: Exercise reduces stress and promotes relaxation, improving overall mental well-being.
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Mindfulness & Focus: Physical activity enhances cognitive function and concentration, helping users stay present and focused.
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Self-Reflection & Journaling: Tracking physical activity and its effects on pain can encourage deeper self-awareness and emotional resilience.
Physical Health & Well-Being
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Personalized Fitness Plans: This study underscores the benefits of structured aerobic exercise for managing chronic pain.
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Nutritional Guidance: Exercise complements a healthy diet in maintaining joint and muscle health.
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Sleep Optimization: Regular physical activity improves sleep quality, crucial for those undergoing cancer treatment.
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Habit Formation & Tracking: Incorporating exercise into daily routines supports long-term wellness.
Spiritual Growth & Faith-Based Learning
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Prayer & Devotional Tracking: Physical well-being enhances spiritual practice by reducing discomfort and fatigue.
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Christian Leadership & Purpose: Maintaining health allows individuals to continue serving and leading in their communities.
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Ethical Decision-Making & Values Alignment: Choosing exercise over excessive medication use aligns with holistic, health-conscious decision-making.
Personal Development & Self-Growth
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Goal Setting & Achievement: Setting exercise goals can help build discipline and resilience.
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Time Management & Productivity: Improved energy levels from exercise support greater efficiency in daily tasks.
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Confidence & Public Speaking: Physical wellness contributes to overall confidence and presence.
Career Development & Financial Growth
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AI-Driven Career Coaching: Maintaining good health supports long-term career success.
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Entrepreneurship & Business Strategy: Energy and mental clarity from exercise improve business decision-making.
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Workplace Leadership & Influence: Leaders who prioritize health set a strong example for their teams.
Relationships & Social Well-Being
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Relationship Building & Communication: Reduced pain leads to better engagement in social activities and relationships.
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Community & Social Engagement: Participating in group exercise fosters a sense of belonging and support.
Decision-Making & Life Purpose
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Resilience & Crisis Management: Exercise helps individuals navigate health challenges with greater strength.
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Ethical & Purpose-Driven Living: Prioritizing wellness reflects a commitment to living a balanced, healthy life.
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AI-Supported Major Life Decisions: Integrating structured exercise into cancer recovery plans enhances long-term outcomes.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of aerobic exercise in managing pain for breast cancer survivors undergoing AI therapy. Incorporating moderate-intensity exercise into daily life can prevent pain from worsening, reduce reliance on medication, and enhance overall quality of life. Whether you are facing health challenges or simply striving for long-term wellness, regular physical activity is a vital tool for maintaining energy and resilience.
- Aerobic exercise is a non-pharmaceutical strategy that can help manage pain in women undergoing AI therapy.
- Early intervention (starting exercise soon after AI therapy begins) may be critical in preventing pain escalation.
- Regular exercise may help reduce reliance on pain medications.
- Future research should explore optimal exercise intensity and duration for maximum pain relief.
Study Information
Aerobic exercise and aromatase inhibitor–associated musculoskeletal symptoms: results of a randomized clinical trial
Catherine M. Bender . Susan M. Sereika . Amanda L. Gentry1 . Yehui Zhu . Monica Wagner . Cheryl Cuglewski . Jennie Duquette . George Grove4 . Meredith Cummings . Myeongā€‘ga Cho . Adam M. Brufsky . Emilia J. Diego . Priscilla F. McAuliffe . Anna L. Marsland . Yvette P. Conley1 . Kirk I. Erickson
Received: 2 April 2024 / Accepted: 9 February 2025
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09257-4
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