This trial studies new methods using Tai Chi for the relief of joint pain (arthralgia) caused by an aromatase inhibitor in patients with stage I-III breast cancer. Tai Chi is a mind-body therapy that integrates moderate physical activity, deep breathing and meditation. Tai Chi may help to reduce aromatase inhibitor-induced joint pain, and offer a promising approach to managing symptoms in cancer patients.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week Tai Chi intervention for relieving aromatase inhibitor (AI)-induced arthralgia in women with breast cancer (BCa). OUTLINE: Patients attend Tai Chi exercise classes over 1 hour twice weekly (BIW) and wear a Fitbit device for up to 12 weeks. Patients are encouraged to complete self-practice over 30 minutes and record practice times daily in a diary log form. Patients also join a Facebook private TaiChi4joint group where they receive instructional videos matching the progress of weekly classes for at-home practices and peer support in Tai Chi engagement.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
39
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Tai Chi practice
Diary log form.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Tai Chi practice
Examples include documenting potential issues that participants think might be intervention-related.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Assess the client's perspective on the value of services received
Will be assessed using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. Qualitatively, five questions, adapted from previous yoga research will be used in post-intervention patient interview.
Time frame: Up to 36 weeks
Lower-extremity joint symptoms
Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index will be used to assess pain in the past 7 days in three domains: pain, stiffness, and physical function; higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and functional limitations.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Pain, stiffness, and physical function in the hands
Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis (OA) Hand Index will be used to assess pain, stiffness, and physical function in the hands.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Assess pain, pain severity, and pain interference
Brief Pain Inventory will be used to assess worst pain, pain severity, and pain interference over the past week.
Time frame: up to 12 weeks
Fatigue
Fatigue Symptom Inventory will be used to measure change in fatigue among breast cancer (BCa) patients and with strong internal consistency.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Effects of Hot Flashes on Quality of life
Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale will be used to measure the effect of hot flashes on overall quality of life and on nine specific activities: work, social activities, leisure activities, sleep, mood, concentration, relations with others, sexuality, and enjoyment of life.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Assessment of Sleep quality
Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index will be used to for subjective sleep assessment, which includes multiple sleep-related variables over the preceding month.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Cancer-related distress
Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale will be used to assess depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
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