Respiratory Muscle Strength Training to Prevent Dyspnea in the Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patient Prior to Surgery"
University of Florida
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if respiratory muscle strength training can prevent respiratory muscle weakness in adults who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and are planning to have surgery. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does respiratory muscle strength training in adults preparing for breast cancer surgery reduce the weakness that often occurs with surgery. Researchers will compare Guided Imagery exercises to respiratory muscle strength training to see which is more helpful. Participants will: * Carry out respiratory muscle strength training or Guided Imagery exercises for at least 2 weeks at home. * Meet with the researcher at home to complete breathing measurements before starting the exercises, after completing the exercises, and again after surgery. * Keep a diary of the exercises that have been completed.
Description
Introduction and Challenge: The therapies required to treat breast cancer can cause side effects such as muscle weakness and breathing problems. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and some necessary breast cancer drug treatments can all contribute to a weakness in breathing function. Additionally, respiratory muscle strength and flexibility decrease in older adults as a part of the natural aging process. Unfortunately, the combination of breast cancer treatments with aging can contribute to an increase in breathing problems. Weakened breathing muscles and less chest wall flexibility leads to a…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Community-dwelling adults (\>18 years) * Recently diagnosed with breast cancer * Scheduled for breast cancer surgery * English speaking, and can follow the protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who have already completed respiratory muscle strength training exercises * Pregnancy, * Recent pneumothorax * Ruptured eardrum * Uncontrolled hypertension, or uncontrolled reflux. * Individuals who cannot complete at least ten exercise sessions
Interventions
- BehavioralRespiratory muscle strength training
At the baseline visit, participants will receive an inspiratory muscle strength trainer pre-set for 40% of their measured maximal inspiratory pressure, and respiratory exercise education using a teach back method in the form of demonstration, as well as written instructions. The respiratory strength exercises are to be performed five days/week for at least two weeks, for a total of 45 breaths each day. Inspiratory respiratory muscle strength training for at least two weeks has been shown to reduce respiratory complications because of surgery in other populations (Lumb, 2019). Respiratory resistance will be increased by 10% each week following an assessment using the modified Borg scale, if participants rate the perceived level of exertion ≤ 5 (Mahler \& Horowitz, 1994). Exercise diaries and weekly follow-up phone calls will be used to monitor and document exercises.
- BehavioralGuided Imagery Exercises
Guided Imagery, a relaxation technique that utilizes visualization to develop relaxing, peaceful images to help improve emotional health by reducing anxiety, and stress. At the baseline visit, participants will receive training to perform Guided Imagery techniques using a teach back method in the form of demonstration and return demonstration for the exercise technique, as well as written instructions. Exercise diaries and weekly follow-up phone calls will be used to monitor and document exercises.
Location
- University of FloridaGainesville, Florida