Feasibility and promise of a 6-week program to encourage physical activity and reduce joint symptoms among elderly breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitor therapy

Development of a Leg And Walking Self-exercise (LAWS) program for older adults during cancer treatment

PURPOSE

We developed a self-directed Leg And Walking Self-exercise (LAWS) program informed by the Exercise is Medicine initiative and evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of this program in older adults with cancer.

METHODS

Over a 1-year period, we prospectively enrolled 40 older adults who received a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) at a geriatric oncology service and initiated a new line of systemic therapy for advanced cancer as inpatients. LAWS is a tailored, self-directed exercise program consisting of leg resistance training and walking. Exercise adherence was recorded using an exercise diary to assess feasibility. Patient perspectives on this program were evaluated using the Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM) and Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), with a score range of 1-5, higher being better.

RESULTS

Overall, 28% of patients were fit, 53% pre-frail, and 20% frail based on the CGA. During hospitalization (average 12 days), 63% of the patients adhered to exercises at lowest intensity during more than 50% of their inpatient stay: on average, 2.8 leg exercises, 23 repetitions a day, 5.6 days/week, and 19 min of walking a day, 4.9 days/week. Patients rated their perceived exertion at 3.0 for leg exercise and 3.0 for walking on a 1-10 Likert scale. During the period between discharge and their first outpatient appointment (average 11 days), 71% of patients adhered to the LAWS program. Mean scores of FIM and AIM were 4.2 (SD = 0.5) and 4.2 (SD = 0.7), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

For older adults undergoing cancer treatment, LAWS is a feasible and acceptable self-directed exercise program.

The role of exercise in aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia

Aromatase inhibitors are prescribed in breast cancer due to their associated lower rate of cancer recurrence compared to tamoxifen. However, aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIIA) is one of the leading causes of treatment nonadherence, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. The pathophysiology of AIIA is poorly understood, and although current recommendations for AIIA include lifestyle changes and analgesics depending on the severity of symptoms, there is no established effective treatment. The aim of this study is to explore the presentation and mechanism of AIIA and investigate the feasibility and efficacy of different exercise interventions (aerobic, resistance, aerobic and resistance combined, and yoga or tai chi) in patients with AIIA to guide the development of formal exercise prescription guidelines. Findings indicate that a mixed-modality regimen of aerobic and resistance exercises is feasible and safe and may serve the most benefit in improving joint pain, functionality, and quality of life. More specifically, the weekly regimen should consist of 150 min of aerobic exercise with two sessions of at least six resistance exercises, 8 to 12 repetitions, three sets each. Supplementary yoga and tai chi may be recommended twice a week depending on a patient's target symptoms. Yoga was associated with improved physical functionality, whereas tai chi was related to improvements in mental health. However, the feasibility and impact of combined aerobic and resistance exercise protocols with yoga or tai chi in our target population were not investigated in this review. The use of large, randomized controlled trials is recommended for future studies.

Longitudinal associations among physical activity and sitting with endocrine symptoms and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: A latent growth curve analysis

PURPOSE

Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) often causes debilitating endocrine symptoms that compromise quality of life (QOL) in women diagnosed with hormone receptor positive breast cancer (BC). We examined whether greater levels of physical activity (PA) or prolonged sitting were associated with reduced side effects or worse side effects of AET, respectively.

METHODS

We used parallel process latent growth curve models to examine longitudinal patterns in PA and sitting behaviors, and their association with endocrine symptoms and QOL over 3 years of follow-up in 554 female BC survivors undergoing AET.

RESULTS

At baseline, women were a mean age of 59 years, mostly white (72%), with overweight/obesity (67%), and approximately 50% were within 1 year of diagnosis. Unconditional models showed significant increases in PA (p < 0.01) over time but no change in sitting. Endocrine symptoms, general and BC-specific QOL all significantly worsened over time (p < 0.01). Parallel process models showed no cross-sectional or longitudinal associations between PA and endocrine symptoms. Higher levels of baseline PA were associated with higher baseline QOL scores (p = 0.01) but changes in PA were not associated with changes in QOL. Conversely, more sitting at baseline was associated with worse endocrine symptoms, general and BC specific QOL (ps <0.01). At baseline, having better QOL scores was associated with increases in sitting (ps <0.01), while having worse endocrine symptoms was associated with a slower rate of increase in sitting (p < 0.01). Increases in sitting time were also associated with a slower rate of increase in endocrine symptoms (p = 0.017). Model fit statistics (x2, CFI, TLI, SRMR) were acceptable.

CONCLUSION

Both PA and sitting behaviors are important for the management of symptoms and in maintaining QOL in BC survivors. Women with already high symptom burden do not increase sitting time further but having better general and BC specific QOL to begin with means a greater decline over time.

Adapting an Evidence-Based Exercise and Education Program for Older Breast Cancer Survivors for the REJOIN Trial

Physical activity (PA) promotes survival and mitigates symptoms in older breast cancer survivors (BCS), especially to reduce joint pain associated with adjuvant hormonal treatment. The purpose is to describe the adaptation process for an evidence-based exercise and education curriculum (i.e., Fit & Strong!) to support older BCS participating in the Using Exercise to Relieve Joint Pain and Improve Aromatase Inhibitor Adherence in Older Breast Cancer Survivors trial. We reviewed all educational materials with scientific/clinical experts to identify necessary content changes. Next, we conducted semistructured phone interviews with BCS to review all educational materials and conducted a real-time pretest for the trial. Overall, BCS found the adapted materials and experience acceptable (mean score of 9.2/10 for satisfaction). Content changes included simplifying exercise instructions, prioritizing content related to the trial goals, and updating photographs. Because of COVID, the pretest was conducted via Zoom. Our multistep adaptation process provided an acceptable intervention to meet the needs of older BCS. Lessons learned will be applied to the forthcoming pilot trial.

Study design and methods for the using exercise to relieve joint pain and improve AI adherence in older breast cancer survivors (REJOIN) trial

BACKGROUND

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are recommended for survival in post-menopausal breast cancer survivors (BCS) with hormone-sensitive disease. AI Adherence is suboptimal, especially in older BCS. Joint pain is a common AI-related symptom that is associated with low AI adherence. The Using Exercise to Relieve Joint Pain in Older Breast Cancer Survivors (REJOIN) Trial will evaluate the efficacy of a self-management intervention (exercise + education) to increase knowledge/self-efficacy for symptom management, reduce joint pain and potentially increase AI adherence in older BCS planning to take AIs.

METHODS

This randomized controlled pilot trial will include sedentary BCS, 65 years and older, diagnosed with stage I-III hormone-sensitive breast cancer, who have completed primary cancer treatment and are planning to initiate AIs. We will adapt an evidence-based physical activity program for older adults that includes bi-weekly, supervised exercise sessions plus 30 min of education. The 16-week intervention program includes: 8-weeks of supervised sessions plus 8-weeks of self-guided home sessions with periodic phone coaching. We will conduct geriatric assessments plus measurements of exercise, joint pain, and AI adherence (baseline, 4, 6 and 12 months).

DISCUSSION

REJOIN is one of the first trials to exclusively target older BCS using a self-management intervention, informed by geriatric assessment and exercise physiology, to improve health outcomes in survivorship. The REJOIN trial could lay the foundation for transdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between clinical and public health perspectives in healthy aging, with the opportunity to translate clinical interventions into non-pharmacological tools for a growing, yet underserved population of older survivors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03955627.

Effectiveness of a physical activity intervention program using peer support among sedentary women in Thiruvananthapuram City, India: results of a non-randomized quasi experimental study

Background: Interventions to promote physical activity are very limited in India. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of a peer support based physical activity (PA) intervention targeting sedentary women in Thiruvananthapuram City, India .

Methods: We used a non-randomized quasi-experimental study design with a comparison group. Using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) classifications, 401 sedentary women aged 18-64 years were selected by multistage cluster sampling and enrolled into the intervention (n=200) and control (n=201) arms. For the intervention arm, a culturally relevant intervention was delivered to the community stakeholders, participants and peer leaders at three subsequent intensities: intense (three months), less intense (three months) and no intervention (six months). The intervention consisted of a non-communicable disease (NCD) risk assessment, educational workshop, group counselling sessions, goal setting, handbook and peer support. The control participants received printed information on NCDs and their risk factors. PA assessments and anthropometric measurements were made at baseline, 4 ^th, 7 ^th and 13 ^th months. Mixed model analysis was done to assess the difference in PA levels between groups at various time points.

Results: The proportion of women who were physically active (≥600 MET minutes per week) was significantly higher in the intervention arm compared to the control arm at 4 ^th (58.5 % vs 10%, p= 0.001), 7 ^th (48.5% vs 6%, p= 0.001)) and 13 ^th  month (29.6 % vs 0.6%, p =0.001), respectively. Improvements from baseline PA expended by the intervention arm compared to the control arm in MET-min / week were 990, 575, and 466 at 4 ^th, 7 ^th and 13 ^th months, respectively.

Conclusions: A PA intervention using peer support was found to be effective among women in India. Improvements in PA in the intervention arm decreased over time particularly after the no-intervention phase indicating the need for integrating it with community organizations.

The Effect of Exercise on the Alleviation of Side Effects Induced by Aromatase Inhibitors in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are effective in treating postmenopausal women suffering from estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (BC). However, AIs are also commonly associated with a number of side effects which decrease the quality of life (QoL) of the patients. This review focuses on the effects of exercise interventions on reducing the side effects commonly experienced by BC patients on AI treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies in the literature support that exercise interventions are feasible and improve body composition, aromatase inhibitor-induced Arthralgia (AIIA), and the overall QoL of BC patients. Successful implementation of longitudinal exercise interventions is expected to improve the QoL of BC patients on AI treatment. Future studies should therefore be carried out with a larger number of postmenopausal BC patients on AI treatment to (a) investigate the effects of exercise interventions on depression, cognitive decline, and cardiotoxicity and (b) address the motivation that should be used to keep BC survivors engaged in exercise intervention programs.

Effects of exercise on physical outcomes of breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy - A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Side-effects of hormone therapy can impair the physical health of breast cancer survivors. Exercise has been clearly shown to improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Less is known about the effects of exercise on physical outcomes for breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of exercise on physical outcomes of breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched by two authors using the terms "Breast Neoplasms" [MeSH] and "Tamoxifen" [MeSH] and "Aromatase Inhibitors" [MeSH] and "Exercise" [MeSH]. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration tool and ROBINS-I, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Pooled effects were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Two hundred and fourteen breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy, tamoxifen, or aromatase inhibitors participated in interventions based on aerobic plus resistance exercise or walking activity. The physical outcomes reported in the articles were: cardiorespiratory fitness, pain, bone mineral density, grip strength, and body fat percentage. Exercise effects were found only for cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.37; 95 % CI: 0.11; 0.63; I² = 93 %) and pain (SMD = -0.55; IC95 % -1.11; -0.00; I² = 80 %), with low quality of evidence. No effects were observed for the other variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic plus resistance exercise had positive effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and pain in breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy. However, high-quality randomized clinical trials are required to confirm this finding.

The effect of exercise on aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal symptoms in breast cancer survivors :a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence is mixed regarding the effect of exercise programs on improving musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life. Previous meta-analyses have not focused specifically on the musculoskeletal symptoms. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise on these outcomes in breast cancer survivors taking aromatase inhibitors.

METHODS

PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, Wan Fang, CNKI, VIP, and CBM were searched for randomized control trials or quasi-experimental studies from the establishment of the database to May 2019. Studies comparing exercise programs with usual care among breast cancer survivors taking aromatase inhibitors were included. The primary outcome was the degree of musculoskeletal symptoms, as assessed by scores of pain, stiffness, and grip strength. The secondary outcome was the total quality of life score.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies involving 743 participants were included. Exercise programs were more effective than usual care in improving musculoskeletal symptoms among breast cancer patients taking AIs. The subgroup scores of pain (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.13, P = 0.006), stiffness (SMD = -0.40, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.08, P = 0.01), and grip strength (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.71, P = 0.002) benefited from exercise interventions. Similar effects were found for the quality of life scores (SMD = 2.24, 95% CI 0.28 to 4.21, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that exercise relieves musculoskeletal symptoms and improves quality of life, which can be used to motivate patients to exercise actively under professional guidance. Due to a small sample size, further research is required to ensure the effectiveness of exercise on musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life.

Impact of chemotherapy on symptoms and symptom clusters in postmenopausal women with breast cancer prior to aromatase inhibitor therapy

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To examine and compare the differences in symptoms and symptom clusters between postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer who did and did not receive chemotherapy prior to aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy.

BACKGROUND

Women with breast cancer often experience multiple concurrent symptoms during AI therapy. The burden of symptoms prior to AI is associated with nonadherence to cancer treatment. To date, few studies have comprehensively explored the symptoms and symptom clusters occurring prior to AI therapy.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a prospective repeated-measures study.

METHODS

The sample comprised postmenopausal women (N = 339) with breast cancer who would receive AI therapy with or without chemotherapy. We collected information on 48 symptoms after surgery or chemotherapy but before AI therapy using different symptom assessment tools. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the differences in the severity of symptoms between groups. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine symptom clusters. This study followed STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS

The most severe symptoms among women with breast cancer prior to AI therapy were breast sensitivity, unhappy with the appearance of my body, general aches and pain, joint pain and muscle stiffness. Women who received chemotherapy prior to AI therapy experienced significantly higher severity of 22 symptoms than women who did not receive chemotherapy. Through EFA seven distinct symptom clusters were revealed in both groups: cognitive, musculoskeletal, psychological, vasomotor, weight, sexual and urinary, with additional gastrointestinal symptom cluster been identified in women who received chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates the presence of symptoms among women with breast cancer prior to AI therapy, with higher severity of symptoms and greater number of symptom clusters for women who received chemotherapy.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurses should assess and be aware of symptoms and symptom clusters existed prior to AI therapy and manage them in advance.

Emerging Data and Current Challenges for Young, Old, Obese, or Male Patients with Breast Cancer

There are distinct subgroups of patients who have historically been underrepresented in most prospective clinical trials in breast cancer, including the youngest and oldest patients, male patients, and those struggling with obesity. Herein, we review current and future directions in research for each of these special populations with breast cancer, highlighting significant knowledge gaps and priorities in tumor biology and heterogeneity, therapeutic decision making promotion of adherence, supportive care, and psychosocial and functional well-being. In younger women, future study should focus on the biological underpinnings of aggressive disease and optimizing adherence and treatment decision making while addressing their unique survivorship needs. The latter includes generating a scientific basis for interruption of therapy for pregnancy. Among older patients, interventions should focus on increasing clinical trial accrual, predicting and mitigating toxicity so that functional status can be optimized, tailoring needs for dose modification, and anticipating life expectancy in the context of competing causes of death. For men with breast cancer, we need worldwide collaboration to answer even basic questions on optimal treatment, supportive care, and survivorship strategies. Finally, for those struggling with obesity, we need to better understand the biological associations with cancer incidence, prognosis and outcome, and how we can best intervene to assure weight loss at the "right time." It is only through highly collaborative, far-reaching, prospective, multidisciplinary, patient-centered, and patient-engaged efforts that we can optimize the physical and psychologic outcomes for all patients with breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); 2647-54. ©2017 AACRSee all articles in this CCR Focus section, "Breast Cancer Research: From Base Pairs to Populations."

Efficacy of management strategies for aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in breast cancer patients: a systematic review

Aromatase inhibitors are the gold standard in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but lead to an arthralgia syndrome which is implicated in 13-22% of noncompliance. This is the first systematic review of the efficacy of existing management strategies for this side effect. Eligible studies were retrieved from computer searches of Medline, Cochrane and Embase and the significant intervention groups were identified. The risk of bias of selected studies was evaluated and the relevant data items were extracted, summarized and analyzed. A total of 21 studies were discussed in this review representing 12 different interventions. While several trials had positive findings, the major methodological limitations of the studies meant that no definitive evidence could be found supporting any of the interventions. Future trials are needed which address the methodological problems identified in this review. Exercise holds promise for future research based on its proven benefit in breast cancer.

Interventions for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been established as successful adjuvant therapy for breast cancer survivors. Unfortunately, nearly half of women taking AIs report joint pain, AI-associated arthralgia (AIA). Aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia often results in noncompliance, which could lead to cancer recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify current pain management of AIA and to evaluate the study quality and effects of interventions.

METHODS

Nineteen articles published from 2000 to August 2015 were identified using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and additional records. Study quality was evaluated by the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Meta-analysis was used to obtain effect sizes of interventions on pain and subgroups.

RESULTS

Five types of interventions emerged: pharmacological approaches, acupuncture, nutritional supplementation, relaxation techniques, and physical exercise. Six studies were strong, 8 were moderate, and 5 were weak in quality. The overall effect size of the interventions on pain was large; pharmacological approaches, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques showed moderate to large effects on pain, whereas nutritional supplementation and physical exercise had no significant effects on it.

CONCLUSION

The evidence was based on a body of research with moderate study quality. Although the overall effect of interventions is large, further investigation into the influence of nutrition and physical exercise is needed to better discern their potential for pain management.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

Oncology nurses may be able to implement such validated interventions as pain management modalities to mitigate the symptoms so that breast cancer survivors remain compliant with AIA therapy.

Exploration of Exercise Outcome Expectations Among Breast Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Exercise is associated with decreased recurrence risk and improved survival and quality of life for breast cancer survivors. However, only an estimated 17% to 37% of survivors adhere to the American Cancer Society exercise guidelines. A critical first step to increase exercise among survivors is to understand how they believe exercise will affect them.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore common exercise outcome expectations among 20 female survivors of stage IA to IIB breast cancer who completed adjuvant treatment and an exercise intervention.

METHODS

A mixed-method descriptive study consisting of semistructured telephone interviews assessed exercise outcome expectations and how the experience of cancer and its treatment influenced the expected outcomes of exercise. The qualitative data were analyzed using a summative content analysis procedure; means were calculated for each item of the exercise outcome questionnaire. The qualitative and quantitative data were compared and contrasted.

RESULTS

The sample was 70% white and 30% African American, with a mean (SD) age of 62 (8.5) years, and mean (SD) time since treatment completion of 4.2 (1.3) years. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) prevalence of common expectations, (2) pervasive impact of fatigue, and (3) a brighter future. Overall, findings revealed that breast cancer survivors have low levels of agreement that exercise may mitigate late and long-term cancer and treatment effects.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, breast cancer survivors (even those who are motivated to exercise) do not hold strong beliefs that exercise will decrease late and long-term treatment effects.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Clinicians can educate survivors about exercise benefits.

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Home-Based Walking Program to Reduce Moderate to Severe Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

In postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC), most BC tumors are hormone receptor positive and guidelines recommend adjuvant endocrine therapy that includes an aromatase inhibitor (AI). This study investigates the impact of a 6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program on the commonly reported side effect of AI-associated arthralgia (AIAA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this phase II trial, consented BC patients were randomized to walking Intervention (n = 31) or Wait List Control (WLC; n = 31). Eligibility criteria included: stage 0-III BC, on AI for at least 4 weeks, ≥3 on a 5-point scale inquiring about joint symptom intensity "at its worst," and exercising ≤150 minutes per week. Outcomes were self-reported joint symptoms and psychosocial measures. Analyses comparing Intervention and WLC groups were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis to assess intervention impact at 6 weeks (postintervention) and at 6-months follow-up. Adjusted means were calculated to assess differences in two groups.

RESULTS

In our final sample (n = 62), mean age was 64 years, 74% were white, and 63% had a body mass index of 30 or higher. At postintervention, Intervention group participants reported significantly increased walking minutes per week, reduced stiffness, less difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL), and less perceived helplessness in managing joint symptoms. At 6-months follow-up (postwalking period in both Intervention and WLC), walking minutes per week had decreased significantly; however, improvements in stiffness and difficulty with ADLs were maintained.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to the growing evidence base suggesting exercise as a safe alternative or adjunct to medications for the management of AIAA.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Breast cancer survivors whose adjuvant endocrine treatment includes an aromatase inhibitor (AI) often experience the side effect of AI-associated arthralgia (AIAA). This study investigates the impact of a 6-week, home-based, self-directed walking program in the management of AIAA. Compared with Wait List Control, women in the Intervention group reported significantly increased walking minutes per week, reduced stiffness, less difficulty with activities of daily living, and less perceived helplessness in managing joint symptoms. This study adds to the growing evidence base suggesting exercise as a safe alternative or adjunct to medications for the management of AIAA.

The Effects of Exercise on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Performance-Based Physical Function in Adults With Acute Leukemia Undergoing Induction Therapy: Exercise and Quality of Life in Acute Leukemia (EQUAL)

Introduction. Fatigue is a distressing symptom for adults with acute leukemia, often impeding their ability to exercise. Objectives. 1) Examine effects of a 4-week mixed-modality supervised exercise program (4 times a week, twice a day) on fatigue in adults with acute leukemia undergoing induction chemotherapy. 2) Evaluate effects of exercise program on cognition, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance. 3) Evaluate effect of intervention on adherence to exercise. Methods. 17 adults (8 intervention, 9 control), aged 28-69 years, newly diagnosed with acute leukemia were recruited within 4 days of admission for induction treatment. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (fatigue, cognition, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, mental health, and physical health) and fitness performance-based measures (Timed Up and Go [TUG], Karnofsky Performance Status, and composite strength scoring) were assessed at baseline and at discharge. Changes in PRO and performance-based physical function measures from baseline to time of discharge were compared between groups using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Results. With PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) Fatigue, we found a median change in fatigue (−5.95) for the intervention group, which achieved a minimally important difference that is considered clinically relevant. Intervention group reduced their TUG performance by 1.73 seconds, whereas the control group remained fairly stable. A concerning finding was that cognition decreased for both groups during their hospitalization. 80% adherence of visits completed with a mean of 6 sessions attended per week. Conclusions. Our study provides information on the impact of exercise on symptomatology, with focus on fatigue and other psychosocial variables in acute leukemia.

Nordic Walking as an Exercise Intervention to Reduce Pain in Women With Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia: A Feasibility Study

CONTEXT

Women taking aromatase inhibitors as treatment for breast cancer commonly experience joint pain and stiffness (aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia [AIAA]), which can cause problems with adherence. There is evidence that exercise might be helpful, and Nordic walking could reduce joint pain compared to normal walking.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of a trial of Nordic walking as an exercise intervention for women with AIAA.

METHODS

A feasibility study was carried out in a sample of women with AIAA using a randomized control design. Women were randomized to exercise (six-week supervised group Nordic walking training once per week with an increasing independent element, followed by six weeks 4 × 30 minutes/week independent Nordic walking); or enhanced usual care. Data were collected on recruitment, retention, exercise adherence, safety, and acceptability. The Brief Pain Inventory, GP Physical Activity Questionnaire, and biopsychosocial measures were completed at baseline, six and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Forty of 159 eligible women were recruited and attrition was 10%. There was no increased lymphedema and no long-term or serious injury. Adherence was >90% for weekly supervised group Nordic walking, and during independent Nordic walking, >80% women managed one to two Nordic walking sessions per week. From baseline to study end point, overall activity levels increased and pain reduced in both the intervention and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that women with AIAA are prepared to take up Nordic walking, complete a six-week supervised course and maintain increased activity levels over a 12-week period with no adverse effects.

Treatment with Ruta graveolens 5CH and Rhus toxicodendron 9CH may reduce joint pain and stiffness linked to aromatase inhibitors in women with early breast cancer: results of a pilot observational study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the possible effect of two homeopathic medicines, Ruta graveolens 5CH and Rhus toxicodendron 9CH, in the prevention of aromatase inhibitor (AI) associated joint pain and/or stiffness in women with early, hormone-receptor positive, breast cancer.

METHODS

This prospective, unrandomized observational study was carried out between April and October 2014. Women were recruited in two groups, according to which of the two study centres they attended: one receiving homeopathy in addition to standard treatment (group H) and a control group, receiving standard treatment (group C). All women were treated with an AI. In addition, women in group H also took Ruta graveolens 5CH and Rhus toxicodendron 9CH (5 granules, twice a day) up to 7 days before starting AI treatment. The homeopathic medicines were continued for 3 months. Demographic and clinical data were recorded using a self-assessment questionnaire at inclusion (T0) and 3 months (T3). Primary evaluation criteria were the evolution of scores for joint pain and stiffness, the impact of pain on sleep and analgesic consumption in the two groups after 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Forty patients (mean age 64.9±8.1 years) were recruited, 20 in each group. Two-thirds of the patients had joint pain before starting AI treatment. There was a significant difference in the evolution of mean composite pain score between T0 and T3 in the two groups (-1.3 in group H vs. +3.4 in group C; p=0.0001). The individual components of the pain score (frequency, intensity and number of sites of pain) also decreased significantly in group H. Nine patients in group C (45%) vs. 1 (5%) in group H increased their analgesic consumption between T0 and T3 (p=0.0076). After 3 months of treatment, joint pain had a worse impact on sleep in patients in group C (35% vs. 0% of patients; p=0.0083). The differences observed in the evolution of morning and daytime stiffness between the two groups were smaller (p=0.053 and p=0.33, respectively), with the exception of time necessary for the disappearance of morning stiffness which was greater in group C (37.7±23.0 vs. 17.9±20.1 min; p=0.0173).

CONCLUSION

These preliminary results suggest that treatment with Ruta graveolens 5CH and Rhus toxicodendron 9CH may decrease joint pain/stiffness in breast cancer patients treated with AIs. A larger-scale randomized study is required to confirm these results.

Exercise and Movement-based Therapies in Geriatric Pain Management

Exercise is often recommended for older adults with pain, but pain itself is often a barrier to increased activity. This article reviews the evidence on the impact of various forms of exercise and related movement therapies on older adults with pain problems. The literature is reviewed with respect to published guidelines. When prescribing exercise, it is important to consider appropriate intensity, type, and duration of exercise as well as incorporating a plan for progression. Strategies to ensure adherence to exercise programs are also important.

Aromatase inhibitor associated arthralgia: the importance of oncology provider-patient communication about side effects and potential management through physical activity

PURPOSE

Breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors (AI) often experience side effects of joint pain, stiffness, or achiness (arthralgia). This study presents findings from a qualitative study of survivors on an AI regarding their knowledge of potential joint pain side effects and how both AI side effects and their management through moderate physical activity could be discussed during routine visits with their oncology provider.

METHODS

Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were content analyzed for emergent themes. Descriptive statistics summarize sample characteristics.

RESULTS

Our sample included 36 survivors, mean age of 67 (range 46-87); 86 % Caucasian and 70 % had education beyond high school. AI experience are as follows: 64 % anastrozole/Arimidex, 48 % letrozole/Femara, and 31 % exemestane/Aromasin. Participants expressed interest in having more information about potential joint pain side effects when the AI was prescribed so they could understand their joint symptoms when they appeared or intensified. They were relieved to learn that their joint symptoms were not unusual or "in their head." Participants would have been especially motivated to try walking as a way to manage their joint pain if physical activity had been recommended by their oncologist.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast cancer survivors who are prescribed an AI as part of their adjuvant treatment want ongoing communication with their oncology provider about the potential for joint pain side effects and how these symptoms may be managed through regular physical activity. The prescription of an AI presents a "teachable moment" for oncologists to recommend and encourage their patients to engage in regular physical activity.

A Wellness Program for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers: Developing an Integrative Pilot Program with Exercise, Nutrition, and Complementary Medicine

The Integrative Wellness Program (IWP) at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC) sought to provide integrative wellness education to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers by offering instruction in exercise, nutrition, and complementary and alternative medicine. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the IWP on the overall wellness of the individuals participating in the program. Three different 10-week versions of the IWP were conducted over a 1-year period. Each session focused on a different wellness topic presented through interactive lectures and applied activities. A series of self-report questionnaires were administered at baseline and again at the completion of the program to assess improvements in physical activity levels, dietary habits, sleep hygiene, and quality of life. Participants were generally older, Caucasian, female, had higher levels of education, and still currently receiving treatment. Significant changes were observed in two measures: Starting the Conversation (-2.0 ± 2.40, p = .037) and the Sticking To It subscale of the Self-Efficacy and Eating Habits Survey (1.7 ± 1.22, p = .0013). A trend for improvement in the Reducing Fat subscale of the Self-Efficacy Eating Habits (0.44 ± 0.60, p = .056) was also observed. Participant satisfaction surveys indicated high levels of satisfaction and applicability of the material presented. The significant improvements detected related to dietary habits, combined with the responses from the participant satisfaction surveys, suggest that the IWP was well received and can positively impact the overall wellness of cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.

Mobilization With Movement for Shoulder Dysfunction in Older Adults: A Pilot Trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the methods proposed to conduct a full randomized clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of mobilization with movement on shoulder functionality in older adults with shoulder dysfunction.

METHODS

A pilot, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial was carried out with 44 older adults (83.9±8.2 years) with shoulder dysfunction in 3 nursing homes in Toledo, Spain. Participants were recruited through information sessions and were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The control group (n = 22) intervention consisted of a physical therapy standard protocol proposed by the Spanish Rheumatology Society. Techniques based on Mulligan's concepts of mobilization with movement were added to the standard protocol for the experimental group (n = 22) intervention. Interventions took place 3 times a week for 2 consecutive weeks and were performed by 2 experienced therapists. Main outcomes were recruitment rates, participation and adherence to interventions, assessment procedures, and the implementation of mobilization with movement. Clinical outcomes were shoulder functionality, active glenohumeral range of motion, and pain intensity. Data were collected at baseline, after each group intervention, and at 1 and 3 months after finishing interventions.

RESULTS

All the participants accepted to be randomized. Participation rates were 97.7% for the experimental group and 95.5% for the control group. The analysis of variance did not show any statistically significant difference between treatment groups for any of the variables (all P values for the group effect were greater than .36) or a change of the difference between groups over time (all P values for the time-treatment interactions were greater than .3).

CONCLUSION

The research methods tested in this pilot study offer a suitable foundation to conduct a full clinical trial.

Effect of Expressive Writing Intervention on Health Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have arrived at conflicting conclusions on expressive writing (EW) as an intervention for breast cancer (BC) patients, but there has been no meta-analysis of these studies to assess the effectiveness of EW in BC population.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL and the www.clinicaltrial.gov database on ongoing clinical trials were searched to identify all the RCTs investigating efficacy of EW on the physical and psychological health in BC patients. The risk of bias of the original studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Our primary outcomes for physical and psychological health were respectively negative somatic symptoms and negative mood which were stratified by emotional, benefit-finding and multiple prompts in sub-group analyses. The data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.2 and Stata version 12.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

Of the 5,232 titles screened, we identified 11 RCTs with a total of 1,178 participants. The pooled results showed a significant effect of EW using either an emotional prompt or a benefit-finding prompt on reducing negative somatic symptoms in BC patients in the ≤3-month follow-up group [Mean Difference (MD), -13.03, 95% CI, -19.23 to -6.83, P<0.0001; MD, -9.18, 95% CI, -15.57 to -2.79, P = 0.005]. There was no significant effect of EW on physical health in the >3-month follow-up group. There were no significant differences regarding psychological health indexes between EW intervention and control groups at any of the follow-up time-points (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis reveals that EW intervention may have a significantly positive impact on the physical health but not the psychological health in BC patients, but this benefit may not last long. However, further high-quality studies with more homogeneity are needed to confirm the current findings.

Adaptation of an Evidence-Based Arthritis Program for Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy Who Experience Joint Pain

Adding aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer significantly reduces cancer recurrence. A common side effect of AIs is noninflammatory joint pain and stiffness (arthralgia) similar to arthritis symptoms. An evidence-based walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation - Walk With Ease (WWE) - reduces arthritis-related joint symptoms. We hypothesized that WWE may also reduce AI-associated arthralgia. However, the potential for different barriers and facilitators to physical activity for these 2 patient populations suggested a need to adapt WWE before testing it with breast cancer survivors. We conducted qualitative research with 46 breast cancer survivors to explore program modification and inform the development of materials for an adapted program (Walk With Ease-Breast Cancer). Our process parallels the National Cancer Institute's Research-Tested Intervention Programs (RTIPs) guidelines for adapting evidence-based programs for cancer populations. Findings resulted in a customized 8-page brochure to supplement existing WWE materials.