Randomized Controlled Trial of a Home-Based Walking Program to Reduce Moderate to Severe Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether a 6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program could effectively manage AI-associated arthralgia (AIAA) in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.
Results Summary
The study found that the walking intervention significantly increased walking minutes per week, reduced stiffness, lessened difficulty with daily activities, and decreased perceived helplessness in managing joint symptoms compared to the control group.
Population
Postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer and experiencing AI-associated arthralgia (AIAA).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (self-directed walking program).
Duration
6 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program | increase | walking minutes per week | women in the Intervention group | - | significantly increased | #1 |
6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program | decrease | stiffness | women in the Intervention group | - | reduced | #2 |
6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program | decrease | activities of daily living | women in the Intervention group | - | less difficulty with | #3 |
6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program | decrease | joint symptoms | women in the Intervention group | - | less perceived helplessness in managing | #4 |
BACKGROUND: In postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC), most BC tumors are hormone receptor positive and guidelines recommend adjuvant endocrine therapy that includes an aromatase inhibitor (AI). This study investigates the impact of a 6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program on the commonly reported side effect of AI-associated arthralgia (AIAA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase II trial, consented BC patients were randomized to walking Intervention ( RESULTS: In our final sample ( CONCLUSION: This study adds to the growing evidence base suggesting exercise as a safe alternative or adjunct to medications for the management of AIAA. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Breast cancer survivors whose adjuvant endocrine treatment includes an aromatase inhibitor (AI) often experience the side effect of AI-associated arthralgia (AIAA). This study investigates the impact of a 6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program in the management of AIAA. Compared with Wait List Control, women in the Intervention group reported significantly increased walking minutes per week, reduced stiffness, less difficulty with activities of daily living, and less perceived helplessness in managing joint symptoms. This study adds to the growing evidence base suggesting exercise as a safe alternative or adjunct to medications for the management of AIAA.