An 8-week Exercise Study to Improve CRF and Quality of Life Among African-American Breast Cancer Patients During Radiation Treatment: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Cancer related fatigue (CRF) 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. Purpose The primary objective of the PEDLAR study is to test the efficacy of an easily administered 8-week structured moderate-intensity PA intervention, delivered concurrently with RT, in reducing CRF and improving health-related QOL among AA breast cancer patients. This study is also designed to provide pilot data on the acceptability and adherence of PA interventions in AA 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).