The Vitality Project for Fatigued Female Cancer Survivors

Summary

This parallel, randomized, non-inferiority trial will examine whether a ten week qigong intervention is not inferior to a ten week exercise-nutrition comparison group in reducing fatigue in cancer survivors. To build a more mechanistic understanding of physiological changes associated with fatigue reduction, it will secondly collect several different types of data to build an integrative brain-body model of vigor in cancer survivorship including:

1. data related to neural correlates of body awareness: cortical EEG data measuring each subject's ability to use attention to control neurons in primary somatosensory cortex (replication of Kerr et al 2011 study in mindfulness), and resting state fMRI measures of insular connectivity with nodes of the default mode network and salience network
2. data related to inflammation measured via inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6 and tnf-alpha)
3. data related to cardiorespiratory functioning including cardiac impedance (ICG) and mechanical lung function
4. data related to parasympathetic and sympathetic signaling between the nervous system and the rest of the periphery.

Conditions

• Fatigue
• Cancer Survivorship

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Qigong

Qigong is a form of gentle mind-body movement that originates in China and has traditionally been used for healing purposes. It has been reported to improve energy levels, as well as strength and endurance and mental clarity and equanimity. This study will assess how a 10-week qigong intervention compares to an exercise-nutrition intervention in improving fatigue and vitality in female cancer survivors. On a secondary level, we will asses changes in underlying brain, heart, and peripheral dynamics that occur as a result of the qigong practice to develop a mechanistic understanding of qigong's efficacy.

BEHAVIORAL

Healthy Living (CHIP + Pre-Train)

The Healthy Living active comparator intervention includes two components: plant based nutrition counseling via the Comprehensive Health Improvement Program (CHIP) and core strengthening exercises and light aerobic activity via the Pre-Train exercise program.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Brown University

  collaborator OTHER

• The Miriam Hospital

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Ellen Flynn, MD · The Miriam Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2017-07-24

Primary Completion

2017-12-20

Completion

2018-01-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations