Actively Recruiting
Breast cancEr, FITness and ExeRcise for Heart Health: The BE-FITTER Study
Led by University of Alberta · Updated on 2026-01-08
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Alberta
Lead Sponsor
C
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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 person's 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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Breast cancEr, FITness and ExeRcise for Heart Health: The BE-FITTER Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 60 years or older
- Previously diagnosed with early-stage (I-III) breast cancer
- Completed at least 1 year ago primary cardiotoxic treatment (anthracycline-based chemotherapy or trastuzumab-based biological therapy)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of coronary artery disease, heart failure, persistent or permanent arrhythmia (e.g. atrial fibrillation), stroke, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Symptoms or signs of myocardial ischemia during cardiopulmonary exercise test
- Any contraindications for research MRI (e.g. pacemaker) or orthopedic limitations preventing exercise testing
- Currently performing structured exercise training (≥30 minutes/day of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic and/or resistance exercise on ≥4 days/week)
- Unwilling to be randomized to either exercise training or stretching program
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.
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants complete 12 weeks of supervised exercise or yoga and stretching programs to support heart health.
3 weekly exercise sessions or 1 weekly yoga and stretching session
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G1C9
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nathan Weeldreyer, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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