Strength Training Study for Survivors of Breast and Gynecologic Cancer

Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Breast Cancer; Uterine Cancer; Gynecologic Cancer; Ovarian Cancer; Cervical Cancer

Treatments: Behavioral: Strength Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01709175

JB-007

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to compare once-a-week vs. twice-a-week strength training in survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer to determine which is the optimal exercise prescription.

Full description

As a result of cancer and its treatment, survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer are reported to have deficits in both physical and psycho-social health. In cancer survivors exercise has been shown to improve fitness, increase bone density and lean body mass, enhance self-esteem, and reduce fatigue. These changes have a positive effect on the survivor's physical functioning and quality of life. However, there are few studies which have examined the effects of strength training or studies aimed at determining optimal exercise prescription in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare two strength training prescriptions (once-a-week vs. twice-a-week strength training) to determine which prescription (if any) results in greater benefit for survivors. It is hoped that the results of this study will lead to a better understanding of how strength training improves the health of survivors and will help inform future exercise guidelines for this population.

Enrollment: 20 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Female Survivor of Breast or Gynecologic Cancer
• Completed Primary Treatment (hormone treatments are ok)
• 18 years of age or older
• Physician's Permission to Participate

Exclusion criteria

• High Risk Individuals (determined by questionnaire)
• Secondary Health Problems that could increase the risk of participating (Includes but not limited to: Uncontrolled angina/hypertension, heart failure, osteoporosis, brain metastases, history of seizures).
• Report participating in a strength training program in the past six (6) months
• Have had a change in medication in the past 30 days

Trial design

Primary purpose: Screening

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 2 patient groups

Once-a-week Strength Training

Experimental group

Description:

After completing the introduction to strength training (two sessions in the first week), participants randomized to the once-a-week group will receive 12 additional weeks of progressive strength training. Participants will meet ONCE-A-WEEK to strength train in a supervised exercise group. The program includes nine exercises.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Strength Training

Twice-a-week Strength Training

Experimental group

Description:

After completing the introduction to strength training (two sessions in the first week), participants randomized to the twice-a-week group will receive 12 additional weeks of progressive strength training. Participants will meet TWICE-A-WEEK to strength train in a supervised exercise group. The program includes nine exercises.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Strength Training