Breast cancEr, FITness and ExeRcise for Heart Health: The BE-FITTER Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · Sep 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The BE-FITTER Study is researching how exercise can help improve heart and muscle health in older women who have survived breast cancer. Some breast cancer treatments, especially certain chemotherapy drugs, can negatively affect heart function and overall physical ability. This study aims to find out if a 12-week exercise program is more effective than a 12-week stretching and yoga program in helping these women regain strength and improve their cardiovascular health.

To participate in this study, you need to be a woman aged 60 or older who has completed treatment for early-stage breast cancer at least a year ago. You should not have certain heart conditions or be currently exercising regularly. If you join, you will be randomly assigned to one of the two programs. Throughout the study, you can expect to receive support and guidance in your exercise or stretching routine, helping you feel stronger and healthier. This research could provide valuable information on the benefits of exercise for breast cancer survivors and contribute to better recovery strategies in the future.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥60 years
• • Previously diagnosed with early-stage (I-III) BC
• • Completed (≥1 year post) primary cardiotoxic treatment (anthracycline-based chemotherapy or trastuzumab-based biological therapy).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have a history of coronary artery disease, heart failure, persistent and permanent arrhythmia (e.g. currently in atrial fibrillation), stroke, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• • Develop signs or symptoms of myocardial ischemia (≥1mm horizontal or down-sloping ST segment depression on electrocardiogram) during the cardiopulmonary (VO2peak) test
• • Have any research MRI contraindications (e.g. any type of pacemaker), or any orthopedic limitation preventing exercise testing
• • Currently performing structured exercise training (defined as ≥30 mins/day of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic and/or resistance exercise training on ≥4 days/week)
• • Are unwilling to be randomized to either ExT or STRETCH