Resistance Exercises for Breast Cancer

Overseen By McKinzey K Dierkes, DPT

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: West Virginia University

Disqualifiers: Male gender, Uncontrolled illness, Late pregnancy, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine how effectively a resistance exercise program can be tailored and delivered to breast cancer survivors in Appalachia. Researchers seek to understand how factors such as income, stress levels, and support from family or friends affect adherence to the exercise plan. Women who have had non-metastatic breast cancer and experience fatigue may be suitable for this study. Participants will follow a resistance exercise program for three months, tracking their progress and providing feedback through questionnaires. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance exercise programs for breast cancer survivors.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this resistance exercise program is safe for breast cancer survivors?

Research has shown that strength exercises are generally safe for breast cancer survivors. In one study, women undergoing breast cancer treatment who engaged in strength training became stronger without experiencing negative effects. Another study found that even intense strength training did not worsen lymphedema; in fact, it helped manage the swelling more effectively.

These findings suggest that strength exercises can be a safe option for breast cancer survivors. They can also enhance body strength and overall health, making them a beneficial choice for those aiming to stay fit or regain strength after breast cancer treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using resistance exercises for breast cancer patients because this approach focuses on improving overall physical health and quality of life rather than solely targeting cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, which can be invasive and have significant side effects, resistance exercises are non-invasive and can enhance body composition, strength, and body image. This method includes both supervised and unsupervised sessions, providing flexibility and empowerment for patients as they continue their recovery journey. By integrating physical activity into cancer care, this approach offers a holistic benefit that complements standard medical treatments.

What evidence suggests that this trial's resistance exercise program could be effective for breast cancer survivors?

Research shows that strength exercises can benefit breast cancer survivors. Studies have found that these exercises enhance upper- and lower-body strength without worsening lymphedema, a common concern. One study discovered that strength training improved body shape and self-image, which can be important for recovery. Additionally, exercise is linked to better outcomes during chemotherapy, indicating overall health benefits. This trial will evaluate the "Strength After Breast Cancer" (SABC) program, an evidence-based exercise regimen. Participants will be assigned to different arms based on socioeconomic status to assess the program's effectiveness in improving physical strength and well-being in breast cancer survivors. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Megan Clark, MD

Principal Investigator

West Virginia University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Appalachian breast cancer survivors dealing with fatigue. Participants will follow a resistance exercise program tailored to their needs for 3 months, keeping an exercise log and completing questionnaires. The study focuses on how socioeconomic status affects adherence.

Inclusion Criteria

Pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding subjects must receive additional approval from their obstetrics and gynecology physician for participation. Only individuals with a singleton pregnancy will be eligible for participation. Pregnant participants must be in their first or second trimester at the time of enrollment.

My breast cancer diagnosis was confirmed through lab tests.

I can complete the program before my due date.

Exclusion Criteria

Subjects whose self-reported household income is above or below the median household income in Appalachia and for whom the target enrollment of 30 participants in that respective SES group has already been met at the time of screening.

Subjects with pregnancy beyond the second trimester at the time of enrollment.

Subjects who are pregnant with multiple gestations.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a tailored resistance exercise program for breast cancer survivors, using a step-by-step guide for safe, progressive strength training.

12 weeks

Initial supervised sessions followed by unsupervised sessions with follow-up as needed

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in fatigue, adherence, and other health metrics using various questionnaires and assessments.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Resistance Exercises

Trial Overview The 'Strength After Breast Cancer' (SABC) program's feasibility is being tested, particularly its effectiveness across different socioeconomic statuses. It aims to understand the impact of support systems and self-efficacy on maintaining regular resistance exercises.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Strength After Breast Cancer (SABC) Lower SES Active Control 1 Intervention

Strength after Breast Cancer (SABC) is an evidence-based exercise program that improves body composition, body image, strength, and upper body using initial supervised sessions followed by unsupervised sessions with follow-up as needed.

Group II: Strength After Breast Cancer (SABC) Higher SES Active Control 1 Intervention

Strength after Breast Cancer (SABC) is an evidence-based exercise program that improves body composition, body image, strength, and upper body using initial supervised sessions followed by unsupervised sessions with follow-up as needed.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

West Virginia University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

192

Recruited

64,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity for 3-5 days a week can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 20-40% and significantly lower the risk of death from breast cancer by 50-53% in survivors.

Breast cancer survivors are encouraged to participate in rehabilitation programs that include both strength and aerobic exercises, as these can improve physical functioning, reduce fatigue, enhance immune function, and boost overall quality of life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise in the prevention and rehabilitation of breast cancer. Volaklis, KA., Halle, M., Tokmakidis, SP.[2021]

The ABRACE Study will evaluate the effects of different volumes of resistance training combined with aerobic exercise on physical and psychological outcomes in 84 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, aiming to clarify optimal exercise prescriptions during treatment.

The study hypothesizes that both resistance training groups (single and multiple sets) will show superior improvements in neuromuscular function and quality of life compared to a control group, potentially establishing exercise as a key management strategy for treatment-related side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise volume load in women with breast cancer: Study protocol for the ABRACE randomized clinical trial. Henkin, JS., Rosa, DD., Morelle, AM., et al.[2023]

Exercise significantly benefits breast cancer survivors, with recommendations for moderate-intensity aerobic activity 3 to 5 days a week for 20 to 60 minutes, along with resistance training.

Psychological health improves with enjoyable exercise that includes social interaction and skill development, while modifications may be needed for conditions like fatigue or lymphedema.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise for breast cancer survivors: research evidence and clinical guidelines. Courneya, KS., Mackey, JR., McKenzie, DC.[2010]

The Strength after Breast Cancer (SABC) program was successfully implemented in outpatient rehabilitation clinics, with 76% of surveyed clinicians adopting it and 93% continuing to deliver the program, indicating strong sustainability.

The program reached an average of 13 patients per clinic, primarily through referrals from oncology clinics, although barriers such as lack of referrals and competing clinic demands were noted, highlighting areas for improvement in implementation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementing Strength after Breast Cancer (SABC) in outpatient rehabilitation clinics: mapping clinician survey data onto key implementation outcomes. Calo, WA., Doerksen, SE., Spanos, K., et al.[2022]

In a study of 67 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, both endurance training (ET) and resistance training (RT) significantly improved muscular strength compared to standard care, highlighting the efficacy of exercise during treatment.

Quality of life (QoL) improved significantly in the RT group, while the standard care group experienced a decrease in QoL, suggesting that incorporating exercise into treatment plans can enhance overall well-being for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparing Endurance and Resistance Training with Standard Care during Chemotherapy for Patients with Primary Breast Cancer. Schmidt, T., Weisser, B., Dürkop, J., et al.[2019]

A systematic review of 50 studies on resistance training for breast cancer patients found that only 66% adhered to the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, indicating a gap in compliance with established exercise recommendations.

Despite an average adherence rate of 84%, many studies did not specify the exercises used, and only half of the regimens were designed to achieve muscle hypertrophy, suggesting a need for better-defined exercise protocols in future research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quantity of Resistance Exercise for Breast Cancer Patients: Does the Dose Match the Objective? Rosenberg, J., Hyde, PN., Yancy, WS., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12159776/

Resistance Training and Lymphedema in Breast Cancer ... In this cohort study of 115 breast cancer survivors, intense resistance training was not associated with an increase in lymphedema symptoms.

2. implementationsciencecomms.biomedcentral.com implementationsciencecomms.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s43058-020-00060-2

Implementing Strength after Breast Cancer (SABC) in ... Respondents said patients with breast cancer used dumbbells of different weights (84%) for resistance exercise at home, followed by household ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254625000432

Effects of aerobic or resistance exercise during ... A case-control study involving 243 breast cancer patients receiving NACT found that exercise was significantly associated with higher odds for chemotherapy ...

4. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-11660-0

Implementing exercise and self-management for women ... Multiple studies demonstrate that exercise is a beneficial adjunctive treatment for individuals with BC, positively impacting both physical and ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8740117/

Resistance Exercise for Breast Cancer Patients? Evidence ... RT was found to be safe and effective at improving upper- and lower-body muscular strength in women with breast cancer undergoing acute therapy ...

6. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2835176

Resistance Training and Lymphedema in Breast Cancer ... In this cohort study of breast cancer survivors, intense resistance training did not exacerbate lymphedema and was associated with improvements in fluid ...

7. oncologynewscentral.com oncologynewscentral.com/article/survival-benefit-in-breast-cancer-patients-who-exercise

Survival Benefit in Breast Cancer Patients Who Exercise A supervised high-intensity regimen with a resistance training component significantly reduced the risk for death at 8 years of follow-up.

8. biosignaling.biomedcentral.com biosignaling.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12964-024-01634-6

Outcomes of physical exercises on initiation, progression, and ... Evidence has suggested that participation in physical activity is correlated with a decrease in reappearance and fatality rates of breast cancer patients.

9. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0748798325007152

Effect of physical exercise on the quality of life of women ... Women surviving breast cancer (WSBC) may experience reduced quality of life (QoL) due to disease-associated manifestations and undergone treatment.