SCOTTSDALE  – Researchers report in the American Journal of Epidemiology that among Chinese women diagnosed with breast cancer, those reporting even low levels of regular exercise were more likely to report better physical, mental, and social well-being than those reporting no exercise. The study was carried out by Dr. Xiaoli Chen of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

According to the study, the women who exercised at levels recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services fared best, reporting the highest capacity for daily living and work or study, less distress, better body image, and higher quality relationships. Additionally, the benefits of exercise were still evident 36 months after breast cancer diagnosis, Chen noted via email to Reuters Health.

Recommended exercise include taking about a 45-minute walk 3 days a week, or a 20-minute brisk walk daily, yoga for about 40 minutes 3 times a week or 20 minutes daily, and any aerobic exercise for about 30 minutes 3 times a week or 12 minutes daily.

These positive findings provide strong evidence that regular exercise plays an important role in improving quality of life for breast cancer survivors, the researchers concluded.