Physical Activity and Neuropsychological Outcomes in a Cancer Population

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: Many cancer survivors experience treatment-related impairments in mental abilities such as memory, attention, and concentration (known as cognition). Research indicates that physical activity can improve cognition in healthy adults; however, little is known about whether physical activity can improve cognition among cancer survivors. This study will test whether a physical activity intervention results in improvements in cognition among breast cancer survivors, which may lead to interventions to improve cognition.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

breast cancer survivors; diagnosed at stage 1, 2, or 3 less than 5 years ago -
not scheduled for or currently undergoing chemotherapy; sedentary, defined as engaging in less than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week
accessible geographically and by telephone
have access to the internet
endorse experience difficulties with thinking abilities
in addition, participants on adjuvant therapy (e.g., tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors) must be able and willing to remain on that treatment for the 3-month intervention period to prevent confounding of biomarker concentrations by treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

history of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, orthopedic conditions that limit mobility, or any other serious medical condition that could make it potentially unsafe to be in an unsupervised physical activity intervention
other primary or recurrent invasive cancer within the last 10 years (other than nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma of the cervix in situ)
unable to commit to a 3-month intervention schedule; any condition that, in the investigators' judgment, would contraindicate increased physical activity or otherwise interfere with participation in the trial
unable to provide a blood sample at the baseline measurement visit
unable to speak and read English.

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Exercise Intervention	Exercise	This arm will receive a 12-week individually tailored phone and email-based exercise program.
Wellness Waitlist Control	Control	This arm will receive emails on the same schedule as the exercise arm, that cover a variety of health and wellness topics. At the end of the 12 weeks, participants will be able to start the exercise program.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
National Institutes of Health Toolbox - Cognition Domain- Oral Symbol Digit Test	Baseline to 12 weeks	Change in score on the NIH Toolbox Oral Symbol Digit test, an objective measure of processing speed, from baseline to 12 weeks. The Oral Symbol Digit test provides a raw score (possible range is 0-144). A higher score indicates better processing speed.

Secondary Outcome Measures