How physical activity can help reduce heart problems in women with breast cancer

Mechanisms and Efficacy of Physical Activity to Reduce Cardiovascular Morbidity in Women with Breast Cancer

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11054931

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 typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-11054931 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who are not recovering from breast cancer or those who do not have issues with exercise capacity may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown that lifestyle physical activity can significantly reduce cardiovascular mortality, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.