A Comparison Between Estimated and Direct Measurements Of Oxygen Uptake In Breast Cancer Survivors

DUSTIN BUTTARS: A Comparison Between Estimated and Direct Measurements Of Oxygen Uptake In Breast Cancer Survivors (Under the direction of Dr. Claudio Battaglini) Purpose: This study compared maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max) between estimated and directly measured VO 2max values obtained during a maximal cycle ergometer test in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Nine women (50 ± 6 years) diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (BCS) who had completed all primary cancer treatments within the past 3 to 6 months and nine age, weight, and fitness level matched women (59 ± 5), with no history of cancer participated in the study. All subjects performed a VO 2max test on an electronically-braked cycle ergometer. Using results of the test, an estimated VO 2max was calculated, then compared to the directly measured VO 2max obtained during the test using a dependent samples t-test. Results: Significant difference (p=0.01) was observed between directly measured (18.1± 2.7ml/kg/min) and estimated (16.3 ± 3.6ml/kg/min) VO 2max values in BCS. Conclusion: Estimated VO 2max calculated from a submaximal cycle ergometer test underestimates VO 2max when compared to directly measured VO 2max. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Claudio Battaglini, for his tireless work and guidance on helping me produce the best possible thesis. His teaching, guidance and support will never be forgotten. I would also like to thank my committee members; Dr. Hackney and Dr. Smith-Ryan, for their professional input and feedback on this project. They too have helped me craft the best possible work throughout this process. I would also like to thank my wife for her support and encouragement through the long nights and frustrating days.