Exercise to ReGain Stamina and Energy (The EXERGISE Study)

About 20%-70% of breast cancer survivors experience fatigue after cancer therapy. Because epidemiologic evidence shows that old age is a risk factor for fatigue in adults with cancer history, older breast cancer survivors suffer from even more fatigue than younger survivors. The purpose of this study is to test types of walking exercise interventions and their ability to reduce fatigue in older breast cancer survivors.

Inclusion Criteria:Consent to participate in the studyAge ≥ 60 years oldHad stage I-III invasive breast cancerThe cancer is diagnosed in 2021 or 2022Completed adjuvant therapy for at least 3 months but no more than 1 yearWillingness to participate in all study proceduresHad at least moderate-level fatigue (defined as raw score ≥ 8 on the PROMIS Measure)Exclusion Criteria:Failure to provide informed consentCurrent involvement in rehabilitation programAbsolute contraindications to exercise trainingSignificant cognitive impairmentProgressive, degenerative neurologic diseaseHip fracture, hip or knee replacement, or spinal surgery within past 4 monthsOther significant comorbidities that may impair ability to participate in the exercise interventionPregnantRegular consumption of nicotinamide riboside supplementSimultaneous participation in other interventional studiesHad no or very mild fatigue (defined as raw score ≤7 in PROMIS)Diagnosis of any of the following medical conditions in past three years (coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease), as measured by Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System