Home-Based Exercise for Endometrial Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Clinical Trials Referral Office

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Paraplegia, Hemiplegia, No English, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 10 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a home-based exercise program to determine its effectiveness in improving the health and well-being of endometrial cancer survivors, particularly those with limited access to survivorship care. It targets individuals living in rural areas or from underserved groups, such as Black, Hispanic, or Native communities, who have survived endometrial cancer without recurrence. Participants will follow a 10-week exercise plan using resistance bands and body weight exercises, along with coaching sessions. Those living in rural areas, over a year post-endometrial cancer surgery with no recurrence, and with internet access may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance survivorship care for underserved communities.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this home-based exercise program is safe for endometrial cancer survivors?

Research has shown that home exercise programs are well-received by endometrial cancer survivors. Studies have found these programs practical and generally liked by participants. In one study, survivors of endometrial cancer who had completed treatment performed strength exercises at home twice a week without major side effects. Exercise and physical activity are linked to a lower risk of death, better quality of life, and improved daily functioning for cancer survivors. These findings suggest that a home exercise program is a safe choice for endometrial cancer survivors seeking to boost their health and well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the home-based exercise program for endometrial cancer survivors because it offers a unique approach that empowers patients to take control of their recovery from the comfort of their own homes. Unlike traditional treatment options that might focus on surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, this program emphasizes physical activity as a form of supportive care. It includes a personalized exercise prescription with resistance band and body weight exercises targeting major muscle groups, and it provides participants with educational materials and weekly coaching sessions. This approach not only aims to improve physical health but also promotes overall well-being and quality of life, making it an innovative complement to existing medical treatments.

What evidence suggests that this home-based exercise program is effective for endometrial cancer survivors?

Research shows that home-based exercise programs can benefit endometrial cancer survivors. This trial will evaluate a Remote Home-Based Exercise Program, where participants will perform resistance band and body weight exercises targeting major muscle groups. One study found that these programs significantly improved participants' quality of life, weight, and fitness levels. Another study found that remote exercise enhanced physical abilities, even without changes in overall quality of life scores. These programs are practical and well-received, allowing easy adherence from home. This evidence suggests that such exercise plans could enhance the well-being of endometrial cancer survivors, particularly those in underserved or rural areas. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Amanika Kumar, M.D.

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for endometrial cancer survivors living in rural areas, especially those who face challenges accessing supportive care. It aims to include individuals from underserved communities such as historically black, Hispanic, and Native populations. Participants should be able to engage in a home-based exercise program delivered remotely.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 50 years old or older.

Primary residence in rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes 4.0 through 10.0 or of American Indian, Alaskan Native, Black or Hispanic background

Internet access

Exclusion Criteria

I am paralyzed on one side of my body or from the waist down.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a home-based exercise program with resistance band and body weight exercises targeting major muscle groups, along with weekly exercise coaching sessions over 10 weeks.

10 weeks

Weekly virtual coaching sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical function and satisfaction with the program after completion of the exercise intervention.

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Remote Home-Based Exercise Program

Trial Overview The study tests a remote exercise program designed for strength training at home. It examines if this approach can improve the quality of life and physical performance for endometrial cancer survivors with limited access to traditional survivorship care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Supportive Care (home-based exercise program) Experimental Treatment 7 Interventions

Participants participate in a home-based exercise program with an exercise prescription that will include resistance band and body weight exercises targeting the 5 major large muscle groups along with 3 booklets about exercise and exercise training and attend weekly exercise coaching sessions to report on exercise adherence and to progress exercise over 10 weeks on study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Only 14.2% of endometrial cancer patients were found to be suitable for unsupervised exercise programs based on their health status at diagnosis, which increased to 20.5% when excluding common comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes.

The study indicates that a significant majority (approximately 80%) of endometrial cancer patients may require referral to medically-supervised exercise programs due to health issues that could hinder their ability to safely engage in unsupervised exercise.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The prescription or proscription of exercise in endometrial cancer care. Zhang, X., Haggerty, AF., Brown, JC., et al.[2018]

A home-based exercise program for breast cancer survivors significantly improved upper body strength and shoulder range of motion after 16 weeks, involving 89 women aged around 55 years.

However, the intervention did not lead to significant changes in overall physical fitness, sedentary behavior, or disability measures, suggesting that additional strategies may be needed to enhance broader health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a Home-Based Exercise Intervention in the Fitness Profile of Hispanic Survivors of Breast Cancer. Ortiz, A., Hughes, DC., Mama, SK., et al.[2022]

A 10-week home-based strength training program for 40 post-treatment endometrial cancer survivors resulted in significant improvements in physical function, particularly in chair sit-to-stand, arm curls, and mobility tests.

Despite these functional gains, there were no significant changes in body composition or blood biomarkers, indicating that strength training can enhance physical capabilities without necessarily affecting weight or metabolic markers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvements in strength and agility measures of functional fitness following a telehealth-delivered home-based exercise intervention in endometrial cancer survivors. Gorzelitz, JS., Stoller, S., Costanzo, E., et al.[2023]

A home-based muscle strengthening program for endometrial cancer survivors was found to be feasible, with 75% of participants adhering to the twice-weekly exercise schedule over 10 weeks and high satisfaction reported.

The program was safe, with no injuries or adverse events reported, indicating that such interventions can be effectively implemented for cancer survivors to promote physical activity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and acceptability of home-based strength training in endometrial cancer survivors. Gorzelitz, J., Costanzo, E., Gangnon, R., et al.[2023]

A systematic review of 58 publications identified 34 exercise programs for cancer survivors conducted in home or community settings, highlighting the diversity of interventions available.

The review revealed significant gaps in reporting on the implementation processes and contextual factors affecting these programs, indicating a need for more detailed studies to enhance future community-based exercise interventions for cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-Based Exercise Programs for Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review of Program Characteristics Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Neil-Sztramko, SE., Smith-Turchyn, J., Fong, A., et al.[2022]

An in-home rehabilitation program utilizing mobile technology significantly reduced urinary incontinence (UI) severity in 87.5% of endometrial cancer survivors, demonstrating a moderate treatment effect.

The study highlights the potential of mobile technology to improve access to pelvic floor physiotherapy, especially for survivors living in rural and remote areas, addressing a critical gap in care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An in-home rehabilitation program for the treatment of urinary incontinence symptoms in endometrial cancer survivors: a single-case experimental design study. Bernard, S., McLean, L., Boucher, S., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9362896/

Feasibility and acceptability of home-based strength training ... This study shows that a home-based muscle strengthening exercise is feasible in endometrial cancer survivors.

2. rgangnon.org rgangnon.org/publication/gorzelitz-2021/gorzelitz-2021.pdf

Feasibility and acceptability of home-based strength training ... Methods Forty post-treatment endometrial cancer survivors were enrolled in a randomized trial, of twice-weekly home-based strength exercise ...

3. cancer.gov cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search/v?id=NCI-2023-11096

Remote Home-Based Exercise Program for Strength ... This clinical trial studies how well a remotely delivered home-based exercise program for strength training works to positively impact endometrial cancer ...

4. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11764-025-01845-x

Effects of live-remote exercise on quality of life and other ... A 12-week live-remote exercise intervention did not lead to improvements in overall HRQoL; however, it did result in significant benefits in physical function, ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9688636/

Feasibility and Effectiveness of the Exercise Program in ... The program resulted in significantly improved quality of life, weight and physical fitness of patients.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352578924002388

Attitudes, beliefs and preferences surrounding home ... Exercise and physical activity are associated with reduced risk of death, higher quality of life and better functioning in cancer survivors including ...

7. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-adenocarcinoma-2-2024-2cebd?condition=&query=Telemedicine&overallStatus=Recruiting&hasNoPlacebo=false

Home-Based Exercise for Endometrial Cancer Survivors This clinical trial studies how well a remotely delivered home-based exercise program for strength training works to positively impact endometrial cancer ...