Exercise and Yoga Programs to Improve Heart and Muscle Health in Women Over 60 Who Survived Breast Cancer After Chemotherapy

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to help older breast cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy that may affect heart health. The study focuses on women aged 60 years and older who have experienced a decline in their ability to exercise and physical function, which may be linked to reduced heart or muscle function. Researchers want to understand whether exercise training can improve heart and muscle health, as well as overall functional capacity in this group. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two 12-week rehabilitation programs. One group will take part in a structured exercise training program with three weekly sessions that include aerobic exercises like treadmill walking and cycling, along with resistance training such as weight lifting. The exercise sessions will vary in intensity and will be supervised and tailored to each persons fitness level. The other group will attend a once-weekly yoga and stretching class focusing on light movements, balance, and flexibility, led by trained instructors. Throughout the study, participants will undergo various tests to measure heart and muscle function, including peak oxygen use and muscle oxygen conductance. Researchers will also assess physical function, muscle volume, and cardiovascular risk factors. These measurements will be taken before and after the 12-week programs to compare the effects of the different rehabilitation approaches. The study will monitor safety and outcomes to better understand how exercise impacts heart and muscle health in older breast cancer survivors.

Breast cancEr, FITness and ExeRcise for Heart Health: The BE-FITTER Study