Background and Aim: A low level of adiponectin have a great effect on the breast cancer incidence and increase in adiponectin after a period of exercise training may be associated with changes in insulin resistance. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of selected Pilates exercise training on serum adiponectin level and insulin resistance in female survivors of breast cancer and its role in prevention of the recurrence.

Material and Methods: 27 breast cancer survivors (mean age 44.11±6.19 years old, BMI 29.24±4.92 kg/m²) were selected based on our inclusion criteria and randomly divided into experimental (n=14) and control (n=13) groups. The experimental group participated in a 12 weeks of selected Pilates exercise training (three session per week). During this period, the control group did not participate in any exercise training program. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-test.

Results: Serum adiponectin level and VO₂max significantly increased, but insulin level, insulin resistance and body fat percentage significantly decreased and the FBS level had no significant change after selected Pilates exercise training (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Considering the increase in adiponectin level and decrease in insulin resistance after selected Pilates exercise training, it seems participation of the breast cancer survivors in Pilates exercise training can prevent breast cancer recurrence.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Adiponectin, Insulin resistance, Pilates

Received: Aug 16, 2015      Accepted: Sep 12, 2015