Comparing Aerobic to Resistance Training in Recovery From Cancer

Comparing Aerobic to Resistance Training in Recovery From Cancer

The purpose of this study is to compare the health outcomes of a 12-week exercise program focused on aerobic training (using a treadmill) to a 12-week exercise program focused on resistance training (using Thera-Bands) in sedentary patients within 6 months of completing treatment for cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• have a biopsy-proven cancer diagnosis
• be within six months of having completed chemotherapy or radiation therapy for treatment for cancer as determined by the primary physician
• be ambulatory but sedentary (i. e., has not followed an exercise regimen of a minimum of 3 times per week for at least 20 minutes each session over the previous six weeks)
• have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status score of 0 asymptomatic) or 1 (symptomatic, fully ambulatory)
• be at least 18 years old
• be able to read and speak English
• have a medical statement from either the patient's primary care provider or the primary oncologist indicating that participation in the program is not medically contraindicated

Exclusion Criteria:

• following an exercise regimen a minimum of 3 times per week for at least 20 minutes each session within the previous 6 weeks
• bone or joint destruction that could be aggravated with exercise
• severe cognitive impairment identified by either the patient's medical care provider or by the study team
• neuropathy-sensory common toxicity criteria (CTC) grade 3 (sensory loss or paresthesia interfering with activities of daily living) or grade 4 (permanent sensory loss that interferes with function) peripheral neuropathy