Exploring the Feasibility of an Exercise and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Intervention in Breast Cancer Survivors

Exploring the Feasibility of an Exercise and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Intervention in Breast Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of a 4-week intervention combining exercise and transcranial alternating current stimulation (Ex+tACS) in breast cancer survivors who report experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment. Feasibility will be assessed by measuring participant retention, adherence, satisfaction with the intervention, and safety. The researchers will also examine pre-to-post intervention changes in attention, executive function, working memory, perceived cognitive function, and physical function before, after, and four weeks post intervention completion in the Ex+tACS group compared to a control group who will receive exercise and a placebo tACS condition (CON).

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women in the United States. Although advances in cancer treatments have led to improved survival rates, breast cancer survivors must contend with the negative side effects from the cancer and its treatments. One of the most common and highly distressing treatment side effects is cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), which is characterized by losses in memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function, which make daily tasks such as recalling information, organizing daily routines, concentrating, and multitasking more challenging. Findings from previous studies support aerobic exercise training as an effective strategy for improving cognitive function. In addition, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), a technique in which electrodes are applied to the skin to noninvasively stimulate specific regions of the brain, has also been found to be a safe and effective approach for improving cognitive outcomes. Among various NIBS techniques, transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which delivers current to the brain in an alternating pattern, may be a promising strategy for improving cognitive outcomes. Few studies have explored these approaches in breast cancer survivors, and to our knowledge, the combination of exercise and tACS (Ex+tACS) has not been explored.

This study will assess the feasibility of a 4-week Ex+tACS intervention in breast cancer survivors who report cancer-related cognitive impairment. Researchers will also examine changes in attention, executive function, working memory, perceived cognitive function, and physical function before, after, and four weeks post intervention completion in the Ex+tACS group compared to a control group who will receive exercise and a placebo tACS condition (CON).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Breast cancer survivors (≥18 years) will be eligible to participate if the following inclusion criteria is met:
• Diagnosed non-metastatic breast cancer (stages 0-3)
• Completed primary breast cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) for at least 3 months
• Self-reported cognitive impairment after cancer treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current participation in aerobic exercise for ≥60 min/wk
• Contraindication or impairment that precludes the potential participant from exercise as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine
• The presence of serious medical illnesses, metal implants, previous brain trauma, epilepsy or history of seizures, previous surgery to the head or spinal cord, or skin problems at the forehead area where the tACS electrodes will be applied
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
• Functional impairments or physical condition that would make exercise unsafe
• Metastatic cancer or diagnosis of a different cancer (excluding melanoma) within the past 5 years
• Contraindication to exercise a defined by the American College of Sports Medicine