Simulated-altitude to Optimize Aerobic Exercise Among Breast Cancer Survivors With Limited Mobility

Breast Cancer Clinical Trial

Official title: Simulated-Altitude as an Adjunct to Optimize Aerobic Exercise in Obese Breast Cancer Survivors With Limited Ambulatory Function: Pilot Randomized Trial

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The study will evaluate the utility of hypoxic exercise training to improve cardiovascular and metabolic health among obese breast cancer survivors. While participants exercise, a lower fraction of inspired oxygen will be used to simulate a higher altitude. This approach removes the mechanical strain needed to sustain moderate-to-vigorous exercise intensity which is believed to support exercise tolerance. Participants are randomized to either the treatment (walking+simulated-altitude) or control (walking under normoxic conditions).

Clinical Trial Description

Cancer survivors have a two-fold greater risk of having one or more functional limitations compared to those without a history of cancer. Though exercise interventions in breast cancer survivors exist, a large portion of women (61%) exhibit some form of lower-body dysfunction that severely restricts participation in physical activity and exercise. Both physical and emotional well-being are negatively affected by the combination of increased adiposity, orthopedic problems and muscle weakness, thus reinforcing a cycle of physical inactivity.

For these reasons, obese breast cancer survivors with walking limitations are faced with a barrier that greatly increases the difficulty of meeting prescribed exercise guidelines (≥150 weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise). Though previous investigations have demonstrated the safety and benefits of exercise+simulated altitude to improve body fat, physical endurance and insulin sensitivity, results have been limited to non-cancer participants only. Given the comorbidities common to breast cancer survivors, specifically, heart disease risk, lower body joint problems, low aerobic capacity, and fatigue, further research is needed. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Breast Cancer
• Breast Neoplasms
• Obesity

• NCT number: NCT03029182
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: October 2016
• Completion date: April 2018