What question did this study set out to answer?

This trial aims to assess the feasibility, adherence, and acceptability of two exercise interventions in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

January 24, 2026

A Pilot RCT of Two Remotely Monitored Exercise Interventions in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

Key Points

This trial aims to assess the feasibility, adherence, and acceptability of two exercise interventions in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial with two exercise interventions: HIIT and MOD.
Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, interventions included supervised and unsupervised sessions tracked via Polar watch and facilitated through SMS and telephone support.
Evaluated acceptability using a questionnaire with 34 items organized into six subscales.
Summarized findings using descriptive statistics and conducted one-way ANOVAs to detect differences.
Out of 73 eligible patients, 24 (33%) enrolled in the trial with 12 randomized to each intervention group.
Completion rates were 58% for the HIIT group and 67% for the MOD group.
Attendance at supervised sessions was 92% (HIIT) and 75% (MOD), with a notable number of participants citing chemotherapy side effects as barriers to exercise.
Acceptability ratings were high for both interventions, showing no significant differences between groups.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility (i.e., recruitment, retention, engagement), adherence, and acceptability of two remotely monitored exercise interventions, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity brisk walking (MOD), in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods Both interventions were guided by Social Cognitive Theory and included two supervised exercise sessions, unsupervised home exercise sessions with Polar watch tracking, personalized short message services (SMS), and telephone-based stepped care problem solving. Acceptability was evaluated using 34 questions grouped into six subscales. Descriptive statistics summarized findings and one-way analyses of variance explored differences between conditions. Results Of 73 eligible patients, 24 (33%) enrolled and 12 were randomized to each condition. Of the 49 eligible nonenrollees, the primary reason for refusal was traveling/scheduling. In the HIIT and MOD groups, 7/12 (58%) and 8/12 (67%) completed the intervention, respectively. Attrition was attributed to screen failure at baseline ( n = 2), lack of time ( n = 1), and loss to follow-up at core session 2 ( n = 2) or posttesting ( n = 4). Attendance rates at supervised exercise sessions were 92% (HIIT) and 75% (MOD). Participants in the HIIT group qualified for an average of 2.0 stepped care sessions (range: 0–5; mode: 0) versus 1.8 (range: 0–5; mode: 0) for the MOD group. Of the stepped care sessions needed, 55% (HIIT) and 81% (MOD) were completed. In both conditions, SMS responses revealed that chemotherapy-related side effects were the largest barrier to meeting exercise goals. Among trial completers, session adherence was 68% and minute adherence was 61% in the HIIT group, whereas session adherence was 78% and minute adherence was 64% in the MOD group. Intervention acceptability was high, with no significant differences between groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Both remotely monitored exercise interventions were acceptable. Feasibility data will inform a future full-scale trial. Additional research is needed to address the influence and management of chemotherapy side effects in exercise interventions to help patients remain active during treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT05786014

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