EXERT-BC Cardio: Randomized Study of EXErcise Regimens After Treatment for Breast Cancer Utilizing Cardio or Conditioning Training
Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute)
Summary
In this study, the investigators hypothesize that observed intense resistance training with conditioning elicits similar changes in body composition, muscle mass, and blood pressure as that with cardiovascular training (or cardio) for women treated with breast cancer.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 20–89 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 20-89 years 2. Women prescribed exercise as a SOC 3. Women with a biopsy proven diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma of the breast 4. Women must have undergone treatment for breast cancer, including one or more of the following: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Women undergoing active chemotherapy are not allowed on study. Immunotherapy or targeted agent usage is allowed. 5. Women with \> 3 months of resistance training experience under expert guidance by a CSCS 6. Must be able to read and un…
Interventions
- BehavioralResistance Training with Cardio
Participants in this arm will engage in a supervised exercise regimen three times per week, for approximately 2 months (8 weeks). The regimen combines two days of hypertrophy-focused resistance training with a third day dedicated to steady-state cardiovascular exercise. The cardio day will utilize ergometer-based exercises (rowing ergometer, Assault Air Bike) and unweighted sled pushes, with each activity lasting 10 minutes continuously. The overall program aims to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in breast cancer survivors, under the guidance of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS).
- BehavioralResistance Training with Conditioning
Participants in this arm will engage in a supervised exercise regimen three times per week, for approximately 2 months (8 weeks). The regimen combines two days of hypertrophy-focused resistance training with a third day dedicated to high-intensity conditioning. The conditioning day involves a circuit format of 6 total exercises, completed for 8 repetitions each across 8 sets, with limited rest periods (10 seconds or less) between exercises and sets. Exercise selection is total-body focused, alternating between upper and lower body movements. The program aims to improve muscular conditioning and body composition in breast cancer survivors, under the guidance of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS).
Location
- AHN Allegheny General HospitalPittsburgh, Pennsylvania