Design: A two group randomized clinical trial will be used for this study.

Population, Sample, Setting, Years: A convenience sample of 128 (64 per group) women with Stage I-IIIa non-metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy will be recruited from two Midwest Cancer Centers over two years.

Intervention and Outcome Variables: Data on muscle strength, body composition, fatigue levels and quality of life will be collected at baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. Following baseline data collection, subjects will be randomly assigned to the tailored strength training intervention or to the control group. Subjects in the intervention group will be given usual care plus a home strength training exercise program. Participants in the comparison group will receive an attentional intervention in addition to the usual care.

Methods: Data analysis will compare group differences using ANCOVA and regression slopes for change over time in the dependent variables.

Findings/Conclusions: This study is in progress. Preliminary results will be presented.

Implications: Declines in physical function in the course of cancer treatment have been well documented. At present, there are few interventions aimed at prevention of such declines. This secondary prevention approach institutes rehabilitation measures following treatment in an attempt to restore baseline physical functioning. There is a need to test interventions aimed at preventing functional deficits and associated symptoms while undergoing cancer treatment with chemotherapy. Research focused on the design and implementation of muscle strength training exercises for individuals receiving chemotherapy is a necessary step for clinicians to be able to prevent debilitating muscle weakness and atrophy in their patients, thus preserving physical function.

Back to Posters II
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004