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

Trial Summary

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Resistance Exercises for Breast Cancer?

Research shows that resistance exercises can improve muscle strength, reduce fatigue, and enhance quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Studies found that even once-weekly supervised resistance training increased muscle strength, while more frequent sessions significantly reduced fatigue and improved overall well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is resistance exercise safe for breast cancer patients?

Research shows that resistance exercise is generally safe for breast cancer patients, with studies indicating improvements in muscle strength and no significant adverse effects reported. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

How does resistance exercise differ from other treatments for breast cancer?

Resistance exercise is unique because it focuses on improving muscular strength and adherence to physical activity in breast cancer survivors, which can be challenging with other treatments. Unlike traditional cancer treatments, it involves supervised physical activity once a week, which has shown to significantly enhance muscle strength without altering body composition. ^{1 9 10 11 12}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The long-term goal of this project is to improve the implementation of tailored resistance exercise interventions for Appalachian breast cancer survivors. To achieve this goal, the primary objective is to enhance the understanding of how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence readiness for behavior change around resistance exercise in this unique population. The primary aim is to evaluate the feasibility of delivering the Strength After Breast Cancer (SABC) program, focusing on how socioeconomic status (SES) and allostatic load (AL) scores influence adherence and dropout rates. The Investigators will also further examine how self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and social support influence behavior change related to resistance exercise participation. The central hypothesis is that participants with lower SES will report geographic or financial constraints, receive reduced support from family or peers, have low confidence in their ability to exercise, and demonstrate lower adherence rates. Participants will: * Use a clear, step-by-step guide for safe, progressive strength training using a resistance exercise program tailored specifically for breast cancer survivors for a duration of 3 months * Keep an exercise log and complete questionnaires

Research Team

Megan Clark, MD

Principal Investigator

West Virginia University

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Once a Week Resistance Training Improves Muscular Strength in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2020]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resistance training improves fatigue and quality of life in previously sedentary breast cancer survivors: a randomised controlled trial. [2018]

3. Greece pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparing Endurance and Resistance Training with Standard Care during Chemotherapy for Patients with Primary Breast Cancer. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quantity of Resistance Exercise for Breast Cancer Patients: Does the Dose Match the Objective? [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Resistance training reduces inflammation and fatigue and improves physical function in older breast cancer survivors. [2019]

6. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise volume load in women with breast cancer: Study protocol for the ABRACE randomized clinical trial. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of resistance training on muscle strength and physical function in older, postmenopausal breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementing Strength after Breast Cancer (SABC) in outpatient rehabilitation clinics: mapping clinician survey data onto key implementation outcomes. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neither heavy nor light load resistance exercise acutely exacerbates lymphedema in breast cancer survivor. [2013]

10. Austria pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise in the prevention and rehabilitation of breast cancer. [2021]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise for breast cancer survivors: research evidence and clinical guidelines. [2010]

12. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of High-Intensity Circuit Resistance Exercise on Physical Fitness, Inflammation, and Immune Cells in Female Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Control Trial. [2022]