The effect of combined Pilates and yoga training on insulin and leptin level in breast cancer survivors: A randomized clinical trial

Context: Elevated levels of insulin and leptin can be associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. A safe and effective exercise protocol seems necessary as an adjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients.
Aims: This study aimed to assess the effect of concurrent yoga and Pilates training on insulin and leptin in breast cancer survivors.
Setting and Design: This study was a randomized clinical trial research with control group in a selected oncology and radiotherapy center in Rasht, Iran, in 2019.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was performed on thirty breast cancer survivors. The participants were allocated in exercise group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15) by simple randomly. Exercise group underwent 12 weeks of concurrent yoga and Pilates training, 3 sessions/week and 75 min of workout in each session. Every participant completed the demographic questionnaire. Weight, insulin, leptin, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and cancer antigen 15‑3 (CA 15‑3) levels were measured before and after 12 weeks of exercise in both groups.
Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one‑way ANCOVA, and paired t‑test and Wilcoxon.
Results: Mean score of weight in the exercise group decreased from 73.03 ± 16.75 to 69.92 ± 15.46 (P = 0.01), but in control group, there was no significant improvement (from 85.54 ± 11.7 to 85.27 ± 9.71). There was a significant decrease in leptin levels (from 33.70 ± 15.93 to 21.21 ± 15.37) in exercise group (P = 0.02). However, there was no significant effect on insulin (from 7.66 ± 2.96 to 10.67 ± 4.51), CEA, and CA 15‑3 (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Twelve weeks of concurrent yoga and Pilates training have positive effects on leptin levels in breast cancer survivors.