Breathing-muscle training during chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer
Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Active Treatment (IMACT)
This tests whether breathing exercises using a small hand-held device can strengthen inhalation muscles, reduce shortness of breath, and help activity levels in women receiving chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT07386444 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized study compares eight weeks of low-intensity versus high-intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using a small hand-held device that makes it slightly harder to breathe in. Participants perform three sets of fifteen repetitions per session for 15–20 minutes, four days per week. Primary outcomes include inspiratory muscle strength, exertional dyspnea, and physical activity levels measured before and after the intervention. Enrollment is limited to adult women who have started chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer within the prior three weeks and can exercise independently.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adult women (≥18 years) with early-stage, non-metastatic breast cancer who are within three weeks of starting chemotherapy, can exercise independently, and can read and speak English.
Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease, those unable or unwilling to follow the protocol, or those with significant comorbid conditions that limit safe participation are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, IMT could strengthen breathing muscles, lessen shortness of breath, and help patients stay more physically active during chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: IMT has improved inspiratory strength and reduced dyspnea in conditions like COPD and surgical recovery, but evidence specifically in breast cancer patients on chemotherapy is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Within 3 weeks of starting chemotherapy for an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis * Able to exercise independently without needing support * Ability to read, speak, understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Metastatic breast cancer * Unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements * Any significant health condition which in the investigator's opinion increases the risks of participation or makes the participant unsuitable for the study
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dharini M Bhammar, MBBS, PhD — Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Email: OSUCCCClinicaltrials@osumc.edu
- Phone: 800-293-5066
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.