Enhancing Cognitive Function in Breast Cancer Survivors Through Community-based Exercise Training
Mayo Clinic
Summary
This phase II trial tests whether an exercise intervention works to improve cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. Many breast cancer survivors report cancer-related cognitive impairment, which this has recently become a priority in clinical research due to its dramatic impact on daily functioning, quality of life, and long-term health. Aerobic exercise has the potential to improve cognitive function and brain health in older adults and is recommended as a safe, tolerable, and accessible complementary therapy for breast cancer survivors. This study aims to understand the effects of physical activity compared with health education on memory, attention, and brain health in women with breast cancer. Study findings may help researchers design more programs that can improve memory, attention, and brain health in other women with breast cancer.
Description
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. Examine the effectiveness of a 6-month, community-based aerobic exercise intervention on multiple indicators of cognitive function in breast cancer survivors (BCS) aged 50 and older (N=160). II. Gather information on the intervention's potential for scalability using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES: I. Explore potential moderators and mediators of the effects of aerobic exercise training on cognitive function. II. Investigate the feasibility of urinary metabolites as biomarkers of overall diet pa…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 50+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria * PRE-REGISTRATION: Age ≥50 years at time of pre-registration visit according to participant report and/or clinical determination * PRE-REGISTRATION: First, primary diagnosis of stage I-IIIa breast cancer according to participant report and/or clinical determination * PRE-REGISTRATION: Post-surgery and completed primary treatment (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy) 3-36 months prior to registration according to participant report and/or clinical determination * PRE-REGISTRATION: Sedentary except for casual lifestyle recreation defined as self-reporting n…
Interventions
- BehavioralAerobic Exercise Training
Breast cancer survivors in the intervention group will participate in a 24-week moderate intensity exercise program led by community-based fitness center personal trainers. Individually-tailored exercise prescriptions will be developed based upon each participant's baseline maximal graded exercise test (heart rate corresponding with %VO2 peak) and symptom limitation. Sessions will be progressive in nature such that the volume of exercise increases across weeks. Treadmill walking is the primary mode of exercise. However, participants will be permitted to use other cardiovascular equipment (e.g., elliptical machines, stationary bicycles) as prescribed by their exercise trainer. The trainer will supervise three weekly exercise sessions in Weeks 1-2, two in Weeks 3-4, one in Weeks 5-8, biweekly across weeks 9-16, and monthly in Weeks 17-24 (N=20 supervised sessions).
- OtherHealth Education (Active comparator)
Breast cancer survivors in the Health Education group will participate in education sessions with a health educator and receive monthly newsletters/webinars (N=20 total contacts) across 24 weeks. The program will include cancer support and discussion of cancer-related wellness topics (e.g., stress management, coping). Control group participants will be offered a 6-month fitness center membership upon study completion.
Location
- Mayo Clinic in ArizonaPhoenix, Arizona