Physical Activity to Reduce Joint Pain During Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

Physical Activity to Reduce Joint Pain During Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

For post-menopausal women diagnosed with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer tumors, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the standard adjuvant hormone treatment to prolong disease-free survival and time-to-recurrence. Unfortunately, joint pain/stiffness/achiness (arthralgia) is a common side-effect of AIs. This "proof-of-concept" study explores how an evidence-based physical activity (PA) program- the Arthritis Foundation's Walk with Ease (WWE) program- can be adapted for breast cancer survivors on AI therapy to: 1) Help them maintain or achieve recommended levels of PA, 2) reduce their joint pain/stiffness/achiness, and 3) thereby enable them to remain on AI therapy as prescribed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Taking an aromatase inhibitor as adjuvant treatment for State I, II, or II breast cancer for at least 4 weeks
• Experiencing more than mild joint pain/symptoms
• 21 or older
• have permission from physician to engage in moderate intensity physical activity

Exclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy at any time during the study period
• Scheduled for major surgery during the study period
• Presently engaged in high levels of physical activity on a daily basis
• Less than 21 years of age
• Unable to walk or engage in moderate intensity physical activity