An 8-week exercise study to improve cancer treatment related fatigue and QOL among African American breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment: A pilot randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment related fatigue (CTRF) is one of the most debilitating side effects of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). Several studies have found that physical activity (PA) may be an effective intervention to decrease fatigue and enhance QOL in cancer survivors. The primary objective of the PEDLAR study is to test the feasibility of an easily administered 8-week structured moderate-intensity PA intervention, delivered concurrently with RT, in reducing CTRF and improving health-related QOL among African-American breast cancer patients. This study is also designed to provide pilot data on the acceptability and adherence of PA interventions in African-American women with breast cancer.

METHODS: It is a prospective, 2-arm, 8-week feasibility trial. Participants are randomized to either a structured, moderate-intensity aerobic training exercise regimen concurrent with radiotherapy or a control group.

RESULTS: Participants in intervention group reported high satisfaction with exercise and adherence was >75% for exercise sessions.

CONCLUSIONS: African-American breast cancer patients in a moderate-intensity 75 min/wk aerobic exercise intervention had marginally lower fatigue at 8-wk follow-up compared to baseline. The control group participants had marginally higher fatigue at 8-wk follow-up compared to baseline. Participants in the intervention group reported slightly better quality of life at 8-wk follow-up compared to baseline (P = 0.06).