Aerobic Dance During Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients With Cognitive Impairment

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT06234150

The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University90 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about breast cancer patients. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does Aerobic Dance During Chemotherapy Improve Cognitive Function in Breast Cancer Patients？ * Does the efficacy of aerobic dance differ from fast walking of equal intensity？ Recruited patients will be randomly assigned to three groups: (1) aerobic dance group, (2) fast walking group, and (3) usual care group. The aerobic dance and fast-walking groups participated in supervised exercise lasting 50 minutes thrice a week for 12 weeks. The goal of this study's findings is to develop practical strategies for managing breast cancer-related cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is often reported in breast cancer patients and is characterized by a decline in cognitive functions including memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function. Despite the fact that chemotherapy is a significant cause of CRCI, recent studies have shown that 20-30% of patients may already have cognitive decline prior to chemotherapy and that chemotherapy may exacerbate cognitive impairment in these patients. These findings highlight the importance of providing these patients with appropriate interventions while undergoing chemotherapy. A comprehensive form of aerobic exercise known as aerobic dancing has been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating mild cognitive impairment; however, its potential to alleviate cancer-related cognitive impairment is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of both aerobic exercises on cognitive function during chemotherapy and compare whether aerobic dance differs from fast walking at the same intensity METHODS: In this three-arm randomized controlled trial, 90 breast cancer patients scheduled for chemotherapy will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: aerobic dance, fast walking, or usual care. The aerobic dance group will participate in three weekly sessions of supervised moderate-intensity exercise, lasting fifty minutes each, for twelve weeks. In contrast, the fast walking group receives the same level of fast-walking intervention, but the usual care group receives no exercise interventions. RESULTS: The study used the cognitive scales recommended by the International Cognition and Cancer Task Force (ICCTF) with slight modifications for Chinese. The study also included self-reported cognitive function, and assessments on anxiety and depression, quality of life, and sleep. Lymphedema and anthropometry were also included as exploratory indicators. CONCLUSION: This first-of-its-kind study integrates a novel exercise intervention (Aerobic Dance) with extensive cognitive assessments. If the results are positive, they will serve as a helpful guide for physicians and psychologists to provide women with breast cancer with a comprehensive treatment plan.

Interventions

Aerobic danceOTHER

Patients assigned to the aerobic dance group will participate in a one-on-one training session before their first chemotherapy session, including aerobic dance instruction, teleconference participation, use of a heart rate bracelet, and use of the Perceived Exertion Rating (PRE) until they master all components. The researchers will also provide participants with instructional videos to view anytime. We will require an exercise log to record the number of workouts, the intensity of the workout using the PRE and heart rate, and the presence of adverse effects. An experienced physical therapist will remotely supervise patients via teleconferencing at home. They will exercise for 50 min three times per week for 12 weeks. The physiotherapist monitors the patient\&#39;s heart rate throughout the exercise program and provides feedback on any problems encountered during exercise.

Fast-walkingOTHER

Patients assigned to the fast-walking group will participate in a one-on-one training session before their first chemotherapy session, including fast-walking instruction, teleconference participation, use of a heart rate bracelet, and use of the Perceived Exertion Rating (PRE) until they master all components. The researchers will also provide participants with instructional videos to view anytime. We will require an exercise log to record the number of workouts, the intensity of the workout using the PRE and heart rate, and the presence of adverse effects. An experienced physical therapist will remotely supervise patients via teleconferencing at home. They will exercise for 50 min three times per week for 12 weeks. The physiotherapist monitors the patient\&#39;s heart rate throughout the exercise program and provides feedback on any problems encountered during exercise.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Shape Trail Test (STT)

Chinese version of the Shape Test (STT-A, STT-B). This test is widely used in China to assess a person's executive function. The Tracking Test (TMT) was created by Partington in 1938. It is divided into two parts, A and B. In part A, the subject must connect 25 numbers on a piece of paper in a specific order; in part B, the subject must connect 25 numbers and letters in alternating order. Since some Chinese may not be familiar with the English alphabet, we used the Chinese version of round and square numbers. The numbers should be connected in sequence, alternating between different shapes. This helps to test the subject's ability to transfer stereotypes, hand-eye coordination, spatial perception and memory. The faster the response, the higher the sensitivity.