Tailored exercise program for breast cancer survivors

Supportive Tailored Exercise Program for Survivors of Breast Cancer (STEPS-BC)

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11073830

This study is testing a special exercise program for women going through chemotherapy for breast cancer to see if it helps them feel less tired, be more active, and enjoy life more during treatment, compared to a regular healthy living program.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-11073830 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a personalized exercise program designed for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. The program aims to reduce fatigue, improve physical activity levels, and enhance overall quality of life during treatment. Participants will engage in home-based aerobic and strength training activities, guided by specialists who understand the unique challenges faced by cancer patients. The study will compare the effects of this tailored exercise intervention against a standard healthy living intervention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer who are about to begin anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with severe comorbidities that prevent participation in physical activity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the physical and emotional well-being of breast cancer survivors during and after chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that exercise interventions can be beneficial for cancer patients, indicating a promising approach for this research.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.