How physical activity can help reduce heart problems in women with breast cancer
Official title: Mechanisms and Efficacy of Physical Activity to Reduce Cardiovascular Morbidity in Women with Breast Cancer
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11054931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how adding short bursts of vigorous activity into daily life can help women who have been treated for breast cancer feel stronger and lower their chances of heart problems, making it easier for them to stay active even if they’re tired or busy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $133,566 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL173554-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have been treated for breast cancer and are experiencing reduced exercise capacity or are at risk for heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not recovering from breast cancer or those who do not have issues with exercise capacity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how physical activity can improve exercise capacity and reduce the risk of heart failure in women who have been treated for breast cancer. It focuses on making physical activity more accessible and practical for these women, particularly through a method called vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA), which involves short bursts of vigorous activity during daily tasks. The study aims to engage women who may struggle with traditional exercise programs due to fatigue or time constraints, thereby promoting better health outcomes. By exploring the effectiveness of lifestyle-based physical activity, the research seeks to provide a feasible solution for improving cardiovascular health in breast cancer survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart health and exercise capacity for women recovering from breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that lifestyle physical activity can significantly reduce cardiovascular mortality, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bellissimo, Moriah Paige — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Bellissimo, Moriah Paige
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.