Exploring the Feasibility of an Exercise and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Intervention in Breast Cancer Survivors
Florida Atlantic University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of a 4-week intervention combining exercise and transcranial alternating current stimulation (Ex+tACS) in breast cancer survivors who report experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment. Feasibility will be assessed by measuring participant retention, adherence, satisfaction with the intervention, and safety. The researchers will also examine pre-to-post intervention changes in attention, executive function, working memory, perceived cognitive function, and physical function before, after, and four weeks post intervention completion in the Ex+tACS group compared to a control group who will receive exercise and a placebo tACS condition (CON).
Description
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women in the United States. Although advances in cancer treatments have led to improved survival rates, breast cancer survivors must contend with the negative side effects from the cancer and its treatments. One of the most common and highly distressing treatment side effects is cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), which is characterized by losses in memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function, which make daily tasks such as recalling information, organizing daily routines, concentrating, and multitasking more…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Breast cancer survivors (≥18 years) will be eligible to participate if the following inclusion criteria is met: * Diagnosed non-metastatic breast cancer (stages 0-3) * Completed primary breast cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) for at least 3 months * Self-reported cognitive impairment after cancer treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Current participation in aerobic exercise for ≥60 min/wk * Contraindication or impairment that precludes the potential participant from exercise as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine * The presence of serious m…
Interventions
- BehavioralExercise + transcranial alternating current stimulation (Ex+tACS)
The Ex+tACS group will complete a four-week intervention consisting of 3 days/week of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on a treadmill at a sustained moderate intensity, immediately followed by 15 min of tACS while completing the AX Continuous Performance Test (AX-CPT).
- BehavioralControl
The Control (CON) group will complete 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on the treadmill followed by the Sustained Attention-Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT) with a sham tACS condition. After each session, both the EX+tACS and control participants will complete a questionnaire regarding experience with tACS.
Location
- Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, Florida