Acute effects of aerobic exercise and relaxation training on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: A feasibility trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to test the acceptability and acute effects of combining aerobic exercise with technology-guided mindfulness training on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors.
Results Summary
The study found preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and efficacy of combining aerobic exercise with mindfulness training for reducing fatigue in breast cancer survivors, with the combined approach being well-received.
Population
Breast cancer survivors recruited from Central Illinois.
Effective Dosage
Three 90-minute sessions over 7 days.
Duration
7 days.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
combined aerobic exercise with guided-mindfulness relaxation | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly reduced | #1 |
aerobic exercise only | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly reduced | #2 |
relaxation only | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly reduced | #3 |
combined aerobic exercise with guided-mindfulness relaxation | decrease | perceived stress | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly reduced | #4 |
aerobic exercise only | decrease | perceived stress | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly reduced | #5 |
relaxation only | decrease | perceived stress | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly reduced | #6 |
combined aerobic exercise with guided-mindfulness relaxation | increase | self-efficacy | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #7 |
aerobic exercise only | increase | self-efficacy | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #8 |
relaxation only | increase | self-efficacy | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #9 |
combined aerobic exercise with guided-mindfulness relaxation | increase | mindfulness | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #10 |
aerobic exercise only | increase | mindfulness | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #11 |
relaxation only | increase | mindfulness | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #12 |
combined aerobic exercise with guided-mindfulness relaxation | increase | quality of life | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #13 |
aerobic exercise only | increase | quality of life | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #14 |
relaxation only | increase | quality of life | breast cancer survivors | - | significantly increased | #15 |
OBJECTIVE: This three-armed randomized controlled feasibility trial tested the acceptability and acute effects of aerobic exercise and technology-guided mindfulness training (relative to standalone interventions) on cancer-related fatigue among breast cancer survivors (BCS). METHODS: BCS recruited from Central Illinois completed pre- and post-testing using established measures and were randomized to one of three groups (combined aerobic exercise with guided-mindfulness relaxation, aerobic exercise only, and relaxation only), conducted in three 90 min sessions over the course of 7 days in a fitness room and research office on a university campus. RESULTS: We enrolled 40 BCS (M CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility of combining evidence-based techniques to address fatigue among BCS. The combined approach, incorporating mobile health technology, presents an efficacious and well-received design. If replicated in longer trials, the approach could provide a promising opportunity to deliver broad-reaching interventions for improved outcomes in BCS. Preregistered-ClinicalTrials NCT03702712.