The purpose of this study is to compare once-a-week vs. twice-a-week strength training in survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer to determine which is the optimal exercise prescription.
As a result of cancer and its treatment, survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer are reported to have deficits in both physical and psycho-social health. In cancer survivors exercise has been shown to improve fitness, increase bone density and lean body mass, enhance self-esteem, and reduce fatigue. These changes have a positive effect on the survivor's physical functioning and quality of life. However, there are few studies which have examined the effects of strength training or studies aimed at determining optimal exercise prescription in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare two strength training prescriptions (once-a-week vs. twice-a-week strength training) to determine which prescription (if any) results in greater benefit for survivors. It is hoped that the results of this study will lead to a better understanding of how strength training improves the health of survivors and will help inform future exercise guidelines for this population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SCREENING
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
This is a 13 week strength training program. Sessions will be supervised by a Certified Exercise Physiologist in a group setting.
Exercise Lab: Queen Elizabeth II Dickson Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Changes in Muscular Strength
Muscular Strength will be assessed using the predicted one-repetition maximum method (Brzycki method)using the bench press and leg press to measure upper and lower body strength.
Time frame: Baseline (end of week 1); Midpoint (end of week 7); Final (end of week 13)
Process Measures
Process measures will provide insight about the feasibility of the exercise prescriptions. Included measures are: recruitment (percent of interested survivors who consent); adherence (the number of sessions attended); compliance (the degree to which the survivors follow the exercise prescription); and safety (all adverse events will be recorded)
Time frame: Final (end of week 13)
Changes in Muscular Endurance
Muscular Endurance will be assessed using the standard load test. Participants will lift a weight equal to 50% one repetition maximum as many times as possible. The bench press and leg press will be used to measure endurance of the upper and lower body.
Time frame: Baseline (end of week 1); Midpoint (end of week 7); Final (end of week 13)
Changes in Body Composition
Body composition will be assessed using bioelectric impedance to determine percent body fat, lean body mass, and fat mass.
Time frame: Baseline (end of week 1); Midpoint (end of week 7); Final (end of week 13)
Changes in Quality of Life
Quality of Life will be assessed using the Medical Outcomes Survey - Short Form. This survey measures multiple aspects of quality of life including: physical function, role-physical, bodily-pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health.
Time frame: Baseline (end of week 1); Midpoint (end of week 7); Final (end of week 13)
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Changes in Fatigue
Fatigue will me measured using the Fatigue scale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment. This is a 13 item questionnaire that measures the degree to which a cancer survivor experiences fatigue
Time frame: Baseline (end of week 1); Midpoint (end of week 7); Final (end of week 13)
Changes in Physical Activity Levels
Physical activity will be estimated using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline (end of week 1); Midpoint (end of week 7); Final (end of week 13)