None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed invasive cancer in women. Breast cancer patients often suffer from suppressed immune functioning as a result of the cancer and its therapies. The aim of this project is to examine whether resistance exercise can enhance immune functioning in breast cancer survivors. Participants will undergo a testing protocol consisting of measurements of immune function (blood sample), strength and quality of life (questionnaires). Participants will then be randomly assigned to undertake a 16 week resistance training intervention or to continue on as normal in a control group. At the completion of the 16 weeks the participants will undergo the same tests as at baseline. These tests (strength and quality of life) will also be completed at a 6 month follow up. Who is it for? The study is open to postmenopausal women aged 40-70 years who are recovering from stage I to IIIA breast cancer and its associated treatment. Full details of the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this trial can be found in the relevant sections of this form. Trial details This study involves participating in a 16 week resistance exercise intervention, conducted 3 times per week in groups for approximately 1 hour per session encompassing full body weight training and progressive resistance training consisting of the use of free weights and machines, under the supervision of a qualified trainer who is assisted by 3rd year students.
Interventions
Resistance exercise intervention: 16 week resistance training intervention conducted 3 times per week for approximately 1 hour per session encompassing full body weight training. Progressive resistance training (free weights and machines) will be administered by a qualified trainer (BSc, MSc exercise rehabilitation) in a group situation. The head trainer will be assisted by 3rd year students.
Sponsors
Amanda McKee
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
40 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Histologically confirmed stage I to IIIA breast cancer with no evidence of recurrent disease; postmenopausal, age 40-70 years; diagnosed with breast cancer within the previous 2.5 years and completed surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy within the past 1.5 years, with or without current use of hormonal therapy (e.g. tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors); sedentary (<30min of continuous moderate-intensity exercise, 3 times per week), absence of autoimmune systemic disease(s); with or without existing upper extremity lymphedema; stable underlying chronic diseases; ability to communicate in English; no acute or chronic medical conditions which would make resistance training potentially hazardous or primary outcomes impossible to assess; willingness and cognitive ability to provide written informed consent to participate in the trial.
Exclusion criteria
failure to meet inclusion criteria
Outcome results
None listed