Actively Recruiting
Alternative Physical Activity Strategies for Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors
Led by University of Toronto · Updated on 2025-12-02
24
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of different physical activity strategies on blood sugar levels in sedentary breast cancer survivors who are currently on hormone therapies, compared to postmenopausal women without a history of cancer but matched by age and body mass index. The study aims to compare two new physical activity approaches, called dispersed physical activity and physical activity snacks, against no activity and standard exercise sessions, including walking and resistance training. It also explores if these strategies are more acceptable and feasible for cancer survivors and whether the effects differ between those with and without breast cancer and aromatase inhibitor use. Participants will be randomly assigned to perform one of several physical activity interventions: a 30-minute walk before breakfast, a 30-minute walk starting 30 minutes after breakfast, three 10-minute walks after each main meal during the day, 2 minutes of walking or marching every 30 minutes for 7.5 waking hours, or a 30-minute session of muscle strengthening exercises starting 30 minutes after breakfast. Each activity is performed at a self-selected pace, with the resistance exercises guided by video. These sessions are designed to test acute effects on glucose control under different timing and intensity conditions. During the study, participants will wear glucose monitors to measure 24-hour blood sugar levels and changes after meals for each activity day, compared to a no-activity baseline. Researchers will also assess participant acceptability and enjoyment of each physical activity strategy. The study includes monitoring of daytime and nighttime glucose, time spent in low or high blood sugar, and glucose variability. Participants will complete these interventions and assessments over multiple days to compare the effects of each physical activity approach, helping to understand which may be more practical and effective for managing glycemic health in this population.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Alternative Physical Activity Strategies for Breast Cancer Survivors
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Postmenopausal biological females diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancer
- Currently using aromatase inhibitors for at least 3 months prior to the study
- Body mass index equal to or greater than 25 kg/m²
- Self-report consuming three main meals daily
- Self-report as being sedentary: less than 30 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic physical activity and less than twice/week muscle strengthening of major muscle groups in the last three months
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable or unwilling to receive medical clearance by a physician after screening for major signs or symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or renal disease
- Major signs or symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, ankle swelling, palpitations, intermittent claudication, heart murmur, or unusual fatigue with usual activities
- Using drugs for diabetes management (e.g., insulin, Ozempic, metformin) or actively losing more than 5 kg in the past 3 months
- Injury or other reason preventing completion of a 30-minute continuous walk or muscle strengthening exercise
- Unable to access an Ontario Lifelabs location for an overnight fasted blood draw
- Do not have a compatible smartphone for required data collection apps
- Cannot read and understand the consent form or communicate in English
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - Each intervention day lasts 24 hours with multiple crossover intervention days
Participants perform different physical activity interventions including walking or muscle strengthening exercises at specified times related to their meals throughout the day.
1 baseline visit and 5 intervention days with physical activity sessions
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Remote Ontario-wide
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Amy A Kirkham, PhD
J
Jenna B Gillen, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
5
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