Aerobic training for breast cancer survivors

Water and Land-based Aerobic Training on Health-related Outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors: a Randomized Clinical Trial

This study is testing if aerobic exercise in water or on land, along with health education, can help breast cancer survivors feel less tired and improve their health after treatment.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 48 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Federal University of Pelotas (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy
• Locations: 1 site (Pelotas, RS)
• Trial ID: NCT05520515 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of aerobic training programs conducted in both aquatic and land environments, combined with a health education program, on cancer-related fatigue and health outcomes in breast cancer survivors. It involves a randomized, single-blinded, three-arm design with 48 women aged 18 and older who have completed primary treatment for stage I-III breast cancer. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: aquatic training plus health education, land training plus health education, or health education alone, over a 12-week period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older who have completed primary treatment for stage I-III breast cancer within the last 6 to 12 months.

Not a fit: Patients with serious orthopedic, cardiovascular, or psychiatric conditions, or those with active metastatic disease, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life and reduce fatigue in breast cancer survivors through structured exercise programs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in cancer survivors, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer;
* Aged ≥ 18 years old;
* Have completed primary treatment for breast cancer (including surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy) for at least six months and at most 12 months before the start of the intervention, regardless to be or not on hormonal treatment;
* Willingness to participate in either intervention group, as well as not to have a fear of the aquatic environment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of serious orthopedic, cardiovascular, or cardiopulmonary conditions that limit physical exercise participation;
* Major psychiatric or cognitive disorders;
* Active metastatic or locoregional disease;
* Severe nausea, anorexia, or another condition that makes it impossible to participate in the exercise;
* Engagement in regular exercise for more than 75 min weekly.
* Or were otherwise not cleared by their oncologist.

Where this trial is running

Pelotas, RS

• Escola Superior de Educação Física — Pelotas, Rs, Brazil (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Cristine L Alberton, PhD — Federal University of Pelotas
• Study coordinator: Bruno Ezequiel B Xavier, Msc

Conditions Breast Cancer; physical exercise; breast neoplasm; physical activity; aquatic exercise