This research is being done to compare the physical and quality of life benefits of two different types of exercise- tai chi versus strength training- for female cancer survivors who have had chemotherapy. Each exercise- tai chi and strength training- will be compared to participants in a group that performs flexibility and relaxation exercises, which is expected to have different benefits than either tai chi or strength training.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the relative efficacy of tai chi and strength training to prevent falls in female cancer survivors. II. Determine the mechanism by which tai chi and strength training each reduces the risk of falls. III. Determine how well the benefits of each intervention persist after structured training stops. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: I. Evaluate the effect of the intervention on physical functioning. OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 3 treatment arms. ARM I: Patients attend strength training classes for 1 hour 2 days per week. ARM II: Patients attend tai chi classes for 1 hour 2 days per week. ARM III: Patients attend supervised stretching and relaxation classes for 1 hour 2 days per week. In all arms, treatment continues for 6 months. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up for 6 months.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
444
Undergo strength training classes
Undergo tai chi classes
Undergo stretching and relaxation classes
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Portland, Oregon, United States
Falls
Prospective assessment of falls will be done by collecting monthly and quarterly reports returned by postal and/or electronic mail. A fall is defined as unintentionally coming to rest on the ground or at some other lower level, not as a result of a major intrinsic event (e.g., stroke or syncope) or overwhelming hazard.
Time frame: Baseline up to 12 months
Muscle strength
Measured by 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for leg press. The maximum amount of weight that can be lifted one time.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 and 6 months during study treatment and 6 months after completion of study treatment
Postural stability
Measured by Computerized dynamic posturography using the sensory organization test (SOT) and limits of stability (LOS). The SOT generates an equilibrium scores and sensory ratios that range from 0-100, where 100 = perfect stability and 0 = an inability to maintain balance and a fall. The LOS measures the average % of targeted distances reached (end point excursion) and average % of movement in the targeted direction (directional control).
Time frame: Baseline, 3 and 6 months during study treatment and 6 months after completion of study treatment
Flexibility
Measured by the standardized chair sit-and-reach test for lower body flexibility. Designed for older adults with demonstrated validity and reliability in older adults (test-retest 0.95-0.96).
Time frame: Baseline, 3 and 6 months during study treatment and 6 months after completion of study
Physical Function
Measured by the Physical Performance Battery (PPB). The PPB consists of 3 timed tests: 5 repeated chair stands, standing balance, and gait speed over 4 meters. Each test is scored 0 (unable) to 4 (completes without difficulty), based on quartiles of performance, then scores are summed. The possible range of scores is 0-12.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Ancillary studies
Time frame: Baseline, 3 and 6 months during study treatment and 6 months after completion of study
Injurious falls
Collected during prospective monthly and quarterly reports of falls. A fall is considered ''injurious'' if it results in fractures, head injuries, sprains, bruises, scrapes, or serious joint injuries, or if the participant seeks medical care.
Time frame: Baseline up to 12 months