The Effects of Cross Training on Fatigue and Pain Levels in Breast Cancer Survivors

OBJECTIVES:

• Determine whether a moderate-intensity exercise program comprising cardiorespiratory and resistance training of the legs, back, abdominal, trunk, and arm musculature vs a control group attenuates fatigue and pain in breast cancer survivors.
• Determine whether this exercise program will significantly improve the quality of life of these patients.
• Determine whether this exercise program can significantly reduce the number of days of absenteeism from work in these patients.
• Determine whether this exercise program can significantly attenuate mood disturbances in these patients.

OUTLINE: This is a randomized, controlled, pilot study. Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.

• Arm I (exercise program): Patients participate in an exercise program comprising cardiorespiratory (walking on a treadmill) and resistance training for 1 hour, 3 times weekly for 12 weeks.
• Arm II (control): Patients undergo no intervention. In both arms, patients complete questionnaires regarding general health, mood, work attendance, and physical activity before the start of study treatment and then every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. Patients also complete a 7-day physical activity diary and sleep diary every 3 weeks.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 54 patients will be accrued for this study.