A Combined Exercise Training Program for Women Living With Breast Cancer

Women living with and beyond breast cancer are at a heightened risk for experiencing adverse mental health outcomes and declines in cognitive function following chemotherapy treatment. Women living with and beyond breast cancer have reported increased levels of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic which may have significantly impacted their quality of life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) may be used to manage mental health and improve cognitive function in women living with and beyond breast cancer. Research is needed to assess the feasibility of a supervised, remotely delivered, combined (i.e., aerobic + resistance) exercise program to improve cognitive function and manage adverse mental health in women living with and beyond breast cancer. This study will pilot an 8-week, remotely delivered, combined (i.e., aerobic + resistance) exercise and behavioural counselling intervention on cognitive function and mental health outcomes (i.e.,anxiety, depression, self-efficacy and self esteem) in women living with breast cancer who received chemotherapy treatment within 12-48 months.

40 - 65 years of ageprimary diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer (non-metastatic)received chemotherapy within the past 12-48 months from enrollmentexperience mild cognitive impairment as determined by the TICS [scores between 28-31 to separate individuals with dementia (range a to b) and normal cognition (range c to d)] (Knopman et al., 2010)self-reported low-active defined as <3 days of exercise (<20 min/day) per week in the previous six months (Godin & Shephard, 1985)physician clearance to participate in testing and exerciseno previous invasive cancerno neurological or musculoskeletal co-morbidity inhibiting exerciseaccess to a webcam and internet for videoconferencingEnglish fluency.Exclusion Criteria:previous invasive cancerneurological or musculoskeletal co-morbidity inhibiting exercise