Combined upper-body resistance and aerobic exercise program for people treated for breast cancer
Investigation of the Effect of Combined Upper Extremity Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Training on Arm Exercise Capacity, Peripheral Muscle Strength and Arm Functionality in Patients With Breast Cancer
This program will test whether a combined upper-body resistance and aerobic exercise routine helps people at least 15 months after breast cancer surgery improve arm function, strength, and symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, State) |
| Trial ID | NCT07070791 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults aged 18–80 who are physically inactive and at least 15 months after breast cancer surgery will be enrolled. Participants will follow a combined intervention of progressive upper-extremity resistance exercises (using elastic bands) plus upper-body aerobic training, with intensity increased over time. Outcomes will be measured before and after the intervention and likely include upper-limb strength, shoulder function, pain, signs of lymphedema, and quality of life. The protocol excludes those with bilateral disease, active infection, unstable cardiovascular or metabolic conditions, significant neurologic or musculoskeletal impairments, or other comorbidities that would prevent safe exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–80 years old who are physically inactive, at least 15 months after breast cancer surgery, and able to complete questionnaires and exercise testing are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with bilateral breast cancer, active infection, unstable hypertension or diabetes, symptomatic heart or lung disease, significant neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, or major cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve arm strength and shoulder function, reduce pain and lymphedema-related symptoms, and enhance quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research of resistance and aerobic exercise in breast cancer survivors has shown improvements in strength, fatigue, and quality of life, although combined upper-extremity–focused programs are less commonly studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * To be between 18-80 years old, * Volunteering to participate in the research, * At least 15 months after breast cancer surgery, * No problems in reading and/or understanding the scales and being able to co-operate with the tests. * Physically inactive (60 minutes of structured exercise per week \<). Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of active infection, * Presence of bilateral breast cancer, * History of surgical, neurological or orthopaedic problems that may affect upper extremity functionality other than breast cancer surgery, * Having a neurological disease or other clinical diagnosis that may affect cognitive status, * Musculoskeletal and neurological disease that may affect exercise performance, symptomatic heart disease, previous lung surgery and malignant disease. * Presence of unstable hypertension or diabetes mellitus.
Where this trial is running
Ankara, State
- Hcettepe University — Ankara, State, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ebru Calik Kutukcu, PhD — Hacettepe University
- Study coordinator: Ebru Calik Kutukcu, PhD
- Email: ebru.calik@hacettepe.edu.tr
- Phone: +903123051576
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.