Upper-arm aerobic exercise for arterial stiffness in women treated for breast cancer.
The Effect of Upper Extremity Aerobic Exercise Training on Arterial Stiffness in Individuals With Breast Cancer
This trial will test whether an upper-extremity aerobic exercise program can reduce arterial stiffness in women aged 40–69 who are at least 15 months after breast cancer surgery and are currently physically inactive.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 69 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, State) |
| Trial ID | NCT07070778 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls women after breast cancer surgery to measure arterial stiffness before and after a program of upper-extremity aerobic exercise, examining both acute and chronic responses. Participants must have preserved cardiac function (LVEF >50%) and no significant coronary or carotid disease; those with active infection, bilateral disease, or major neurologic/musculoskeletal limitations are excluded. The intervention involves structured arm aerobic training sessions delivered onsite at Hacettepe University, with vascular measurements taken at baseline and after the training period. Results aim to clarify whether targeted arm exercise improves arterial stiffness and arm function in breast cancer survivors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women 40–69 years old who are at least 15 months post–breast cancer surgery, physically inactive, with LVEF >50% and no significant coronary or carotid disease.
Not a fit: Patients with active infections, bilateral breast cancer, significant cardiac, hepatic, renal, neurological, or musculoskeletal impairments affecting the arm are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the exercise program could reduce arterial stiffness and improve arm function and cardiovascular risk profiles for breast cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies have shown aerobic exercise can improve function after breast cancer and reduce arterial stiffness in other groups, but the effect of upper‑extremity aerobic training on arterial stiffness specifically in breast cancer survivors is not well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * To be between the ages of 40-69, * Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \>50%, * Absence of coronary artery disease and haemodynamically significant valvular heart disease, * Absence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques, * 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, * Left ventricular dysfunction and severe liver and kidney dysfunction before starting chemotherapy * 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
- Hacettepe University — Ankara, State, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- 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.