Connecting Breast Cancer Survivors for Exercise

Summary

Phase 1: The purpose of this study is to examine interpersonal and individual effects of partnering BCS with a peer and a qualified exercise professional (QEP) on self-reported exercise volume (MVPA; primary outcome), and device-measured exercise volume (MVPA; Fitbit), social support, and HRQOL (secondary outcomes). Cost-effectiveness and intervention adherence will also be explored as tertiary outcomes. The effects of a peer and QEP-support intervention group, labelled MatchQEP, will be compared to a control group of BCS who are matched with a peer, but not a QEP, labelled Match.

Phase 2: The purpose of this study is to examine whether the addition of 8-weekly QEP-lead resistance training Zoom sessions with an exercise partner interacts with social support (i.e., tangible, informational, emotional) and how this interaction relates to overall exercise volume as an extension of Phase 1 (one year after phase 1 was completed). A secondary aim of Phase 2 is to examine the direct influence of resistance training on body image, self-efficacy, the physical self, and body functionality among the participants.

Conditions

• Breast Cancer
• Breast Neoplasms

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise Counselling

Phase 1: See previous description for MatchQEP (Intervention) group. Phase 2: Was not an RCT (i.e., all Phase 1 participants were approached to participate in Phase 2). Phase 2 is a pre-post intervention design, with no control group. Phase 2 participants had the option to extend their time in the study for an additional 8-weeks, which includes an online virtual (zoom) resistance training program with a qualified exercise professional (QEP) with a new study partner. The 8-week program was open to all participants from Phase 1 who choose to continue in the study, regardless of initial randomization status. Behavioural and exercise counselling were offered to phase 2 participants.

BEHAVIORAL

Partner Matching

Phase 1: All participants will be matched with another participant (fellow BCS) and will facilitate / support exercise with their partner for the duration of the study. Phase 2: Was not an RCT (i.e., all Phase 1 participants were approached to participate in Phase 2). Phase 2 is a pre-post intervention design, with no control group. Phase 2 participants were rematched with different partner for this phase of the trial. Participants will be matched based on personal and cancer-related characteristics.

BEHAVIORAL

Resistance training sessions led by a QEP

Phase 2: participants were offered the option to extend their time in the study for an additional 8-weeks, which includes an online virtual (zoom) resistance training program with a qualified exercise professional (QEP) with a new study partner.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)

  collaborator OTHER

• Jenna Smith

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-05-10

Primary Completion

2021-12-30

Completion

2022-01-30

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations