Abstract
Objective: This three-armed randomized controlled feasibility trial tested the acceptability and acute effects of aerobic exercise and technology-guided mindfulness training (relative to standalone interventions) on cancer-related fatigue among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: BCS recruited from Central Illinois completed pre- and post-testing using established measures and were randomized to one of three groups (combined aerobic exercise with guided-mindfulness relaxation, aerobic exercise only, and relaxation only), conducted in three 90 min sessions over the course of 7 days in a fitness room and research office on a university campus. Results: We enrolled 40 BCS (M age = 57.33 ± 8.75), M BMI = 27.38 ± 5.27, M fatigue = 4.56 ± 1.81 as measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale. More favorable post-intervention evaluations were reported by the combined group, compared to aerobic exercise or relaxation only (p < 0.05). Reductions in fatigue favoring the combined group (p = 0.05) showed a modest effect size (Cohen's d = 0.91) compared to aerobic exercise only. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility of combining evidence-based techniques to address fatigue among BCS. The combined approach, incorporating mobile health technology, presents an efficacious and well-received design. If replicated in longer trials, the approach could provide a promising opportunity to deliver broad-reaching interventions for improved outcomes in BCS. Preregistered-ClinicalTrials NCT03702712.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 252-259 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Psycho-Oncology |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2021 |
Keywords
- aerobic exercise
- breast cancer
- cancer
- fatigue
- feasibility
- mindfulness based stress reduction
- psycho-oncology
- relaxation
- survivorship
- technology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Oncology