Using high-intensity interval training to improve heart health in breast cancer survivors after chemotherapy
Official title: High Intensity Interval Training: Optimizing Exercise Therapy to Mitigate Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10848354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help breast cancer survivors over 65 improve their heart health after chemotherapy, using special exercises that are easier on their balance, and it will compare this approach to regular moderate exercise to find the best way to keep them fit and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG078995-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer survivors aged 65 and older who have completed chemotherapy and are experiencing cardiovascular risks or related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not breast cancer survivors or those who have not undergone chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help breast cancer survivors, particularly those over 65, reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease after undergoing chemotherapy. The study aims to optimize exercise therapy by using a non-weight-bearing exercise ergometer, which addresses balance issues that many older survivors face. By comparing HIIT to traditional moderate-intensity continuous training, the research seeks to determine the most effective exercise regimen for improving heart health and overall physical function in this population. Participants will engage in tailored exercise sessions designed to enhance their cardiovascular fitness while considering their unique health challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health and quality of life for breast cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that high-intensity interval training can be effective in improving cardiovascular health in various clinical populations, suggesting potential success for this approach in breast cancer survivors.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christou, Demetra — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Christou, Demetra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
-
Integrating breast cancer and heart disease risk to understand chemoprevention decisions for high-risk women
This project explores how women at high risk for breast cancer decide whether to take preventive medicines, while also considering their heart health.
-
3D ultrasound method to see early breast cancer response to chemotherapy
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method is being tested to quickly tell if breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy, using a FDA-cleared scanner at an affordable cost.
-
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting to gauge chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A patient-facing look at using a special MRI method (MRF) to see early whether breast cancer is responding to preliminary chemotherapy.
-
3D ultrasound to detect early breast tumor response to chemotherapy
A 3D quantitative ultrasound scanner will be used to detect early changes in breast tumors during chemotherapy for people with breast cancer.
-
Understanding how chemotherapy affects breast cancer spread and liver immunity
A research project looks at how standard breast cancer chemotherapy may change the immune system and cancer spread, especially to the liver, in people with aggressive breast cancer.
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.