Connecting breast cancer survivors for exercise: protocol for a two-arm randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Peer-based exercise interventions that cultivate new opportunities for support with a fellow cancer survivor may result in increased exercise volume. It is not clear whether adding qualified exercise professional (QEP) support to peer-based interventions improves health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether breast cancer survivor (BCS) dyads who receive 10 weekly sessions of virtually delivered QEP support have improved outcomes compared to BCS dyads who do not receive QEP support. Methods Participants Adult BCS with medical clearance for exercise, who have an internet-connected device, and currently engage in < 150 min of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Intervention BCS will be matched using evidence-based criteria. The intervention group will receive dyadic exercise information sessions and a program tailored by a QEP for 10 weeks (intervention period) and have access to the QEP for an additional 4 weeks (tapering period). The control will not receive any QEP support. Outcomes The primary outcome is post-intervention self-reported exercise volume. Secondary outcomes include device-assessed exercise volume (i.e., Fitbit), social support, and health-related quality of life. Randomization 108 participants, matched in dyads, will be randomized 1:1 to the MatchQEP or Match groups using a web-based scheme. Statistical analysis Outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-intervention, post-tapering, and at 12 weeks post-intervention follow-up. Discussion The findings from this RCT will determine if matched BCS dyads who receive 10 weeks of virtually delivered QEP support have higher levels of self-report and device-measured exercise, social support, and health related quality of life compared to matched dyads without QEP-delivered exercise guidance. To our knowledge this will be the first study to assess the combined effect of peer- and QEP support on exercise volume. Project findings will inform and optimize intervention methods aimed to increase exercise among BCS through accessible exercise supports. Trial Registration: The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (study identifier: NCT04771975, protocol Version Number: 2, date: July 22, 2021).

Higher Level of Sports Activities Participation during Five-Year Survival Is Associated with Better Quality of Life among Chinese Breast Cancer Survivors

“…Among modifiable lifestyle habits after a breast cancer diagnosis, participation in sports activities is one of the factors that has been associated with a reduced risk of mortality [ 7 , 8 , 9 ] as well as enhanced QoL [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. A large body of short-term, structured exercise interventional programs has been completed by breast cancer patients.…”

Peer Support Physical Activity Interventions Partnering Unknown Survivors of Cancer: A Scoping Review

“…Seven of the included studies were randomized controlled trials 49,50,[52][53][54]57,59 (2 unique interventions 57,59 ; 6 relating to the same intervention 49,50,[52][53][54]57 ), 3 were study protocols, 56,60,58 1 was a qualitative study, 51 and 1 was a conference abstract. 55 Three of the interventions took place in the United States [49][50][51][52][53][54][55]57,60 (3/6 unique interventions; 50%), 1 from Canada, 58 1 from Australia, 56 and 1 from Germany. 59 All interventions took place in a community or outpatient setting.…”

“…The group of studies by Pinto et al and DeMello and colleagues [49][50][51][52][53][54][55]57 used mentors who had previously volunteered for at least 1 year with the "Reach to Recovery" program (a program run by the American Cancer Society, which has peers provide emotional support and information, with no exercise focus to patients with breast cancer). The research team provided [49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58]60 while 1 focused on exercise counseling. 59 The duration of partner matching ranged from 4 weeks to 12 months.…”

Using ncRNAs as Tools in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment—The Way towards Personalized Medicine to Improve Patients’ Health

“…The World Health Organization itself has highlighted the importance of structured exercise for public health, so much so that inadequate levels of physical activity have been deemed to be a major risk factor in breast and colon cancers (21–25% of cases), diabetes (27% of cases), and ischemic heart disease (30% of cases) [ 216 , 217 ]. Several epidemiological studies have stressed the beneficial effects of regular and moderate structured exercise (i.e., forms of exercise in adherence to international guidelines such as those proposed by the American College of Sports and Medicine), particularly in terms of protection [ 218 , 219 ]. Such beneficial effects involve the prevention of cancer onset (i.e., primary prevention) and prevention of relapse (tertiary prevention), as well as a degree of effectiveness against chronic degenerative diseases [ 220 ].…”