This study will begin to fill a knowledge gap by determine whether changes in kynurenine metabolism occur following Resistance Training (RT) and relate to reductions in inflammation and improved behavioral and physical function as this may identify potential targets for interventions to promote cancer recovery.
Interventions that reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines with resultant stimulation of kynurenine metabolism may be increasingly important in Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) to prevent susceptibility to cancer associated fatigue, depression, and declines in muscle mass and function. There is emerging evidence that supports exercise as a non-pharmacological therapy to prevent cancer recurrence, sedentary behaviors, and obesity during cancer survivorship . It seems that interventions that include resistance training (RT) are most efficacious at reducing fatigue in BCS This study will begin to fill a knowledge gap by determine whether changes in kynurenine metabolism occur following RT and relate to reductions in inflammation and improved behavioral and physical function as this may identify potential targets for interventions to promote cancer recovery.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
28
Resistance training (RT) will include 15 repetitions for two sets and to exhaustion on the third set for seven major muscle groups: the leg and chest press, knee extension, leg curl, row, abdominal crunch, and bicep curl. Resistance is gradually increased to account for strength gains when subjects are able to complete 20 repetitions on the third set.
Cognitively-based compassion training control (CBCT) classes will be performed in a group setting for 1.5-2 hours per week, and consist of didactics, class discussion, and guided meditation practice. Each class will begin with a period of meditation to calm and focus the mind, followed by analytical practices designed to challenge unexamined assumptions regarding feelings, and actions toward others with a focus on generating spontaneous empathy and compassion for themselves and others.
Winship Cancer Institute
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Change in fatigue assessed by Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) score
The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is a 20-item self-report instrument designed to measure fatigue. It covers the following dimensions: General Fatigue, Physical Fatigue, Mental Fatigue, Reduced Motivation and Reduced Activity. Each scale contains four items for which the person had to indicate on a seven-point scale to what extent the particular statement applies to him or her. An equal number of items is worded in a positive and in a negative direction to counteract response tendencies.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in depression assessed by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score
Although the HAM-D form lists 21 items, the scoring is based on the first 17. Eight items are scored on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 = not present to 4 = severe. Nine are scored from 0-2.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in balance test score
Berg Balance Scale is an observer rated scale developed to rate fall risk that consists of 14 items (0-4 point scale) of mobility related to balance.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in muscle function assessed by Isometric Handgrip test.
Hand grip strength of both arms will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer. The subjects will be tested while seated with the shoulders adducted, the elbow flexed to 90 degrees, and the forearm in a neutral position. The subjects will be instructed to "squeeze as hard as possible" during 3-5 second efforts.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in muscle function assessed by Lower Extremity Endurance test
The subjects will be asked to perform the leg press and leg extension exercises at 60% of maximum strength as many times as they can before fatigue, paced by a metronome set to 30. Endurance in the right and left legs will be tested separately using equipment that is built to isolate single leg movement.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in muscle function assessed by Lower Extremity Strength test
Standardized strength assessment protocol that includes 4-6 trials with rest periods of the leg extension, leg press, and chest press exercises will be used. Strength in the right and left legs will be tested separately.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) completion time
Subjects are observed and timed while they rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. The total time to complete this task will be recorded.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in 30 meter walk velocity
Self-selected and fastest-comfortable floor walking velocity will be determined from 30 meter walks with subjects using the same assistive device and/or orthosis as normally used to "walk across the room at home."
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in Functional Gait Assessment score
Subjects will be asked to perform various tasks to assess functional gait including stepping onto a small stool, doing a turn, and picking a small object off the floor. Participants will be scored on their ability to perform each task without difficulty. A total score out of a maximum of 30 points will be reported.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in 6 min walk distance
Subjects will use the same assistive device typically used and will be instructed to cover as much distance as they can in six minutes over a flat walking surface.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
RMR will be measured using the ventilated hood technique while subjects lie quietly in bed for 30-45 mins under a clear plastic hood with expired air collected through a one-way valve. RMR will be measured at rest under fasting conditions. It will be reported as a continuous variable of kilocalories/day.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) level
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) is a key transcription coactivator regulating energy metabolism in a tissue-specific manner. PGC-1α level will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood sample.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in kynurenic acid level
Kynurenic acid is a product of the normal metabolism of amino acid L-tryptophan. It has been shown that kynurenic acid possesses neuroactive activity. Kynurenic acid level will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood sample. .
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in interleukin-6 (IL-6) level
IL-6 is an interleukin that acts as both a pro-inflammatory cytokine and an anti-inflammatory marker in skeletal muscle. IL-6 level will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood sample.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up
Change in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein level
tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a cell signaling protein (cytokine) involved in systemic inflammation and is one of the cytokines that make up the acute phase reaction.TNF-α protein level will be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood sample.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks follow up