Remote exercise program to preserve function and prevent disability
Distance-based Exercise to preserve Function and prevENt Disability (DEFEND)
This project offers a remote exercise program to help people with breast cancer keep physical function and prevent disability during and after chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194416 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing a distance-based exercise program meant to keep people with breast cancer active and prevent loss of everyday abilities. They will run a planning trial to see whether they can enroll and retain a representative group of patients during chemotherapy and deliver the program across academic and community oncology clinics. The program uses technology to guide aerobic and related exercises at home while staff identify which patients are most likely to benefit. The team will also document barriers and facilitators to make the program practical for routine cancer care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy and are able to participate in a home-based, technology-supported exercise program would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with medical contraindications to exercise, severe mobility limitations that prevent safe home-based activity, or those not undergoing chemotherapy may not benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help people with breast cancer maintain independence, reduce treatment-related side effects, and improve return-to-work and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous exercise programs for cancer survivors have improved physical function, but distance-based interventions during chemotherapy are less established and this approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ligibel, Jennifer a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Ligibel, Jennifer a.
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 below.