In this study, the investigators hypothesize that observed intense resistance training with conditioning elicits similar changes in body composition, muscle mass, and blood pressure as that with cardiovascular training (or cardio) for women treated with breast cancer.
Age 20-89 years
Women prescribed exercise as a SOC
Women with a biopsy proven diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma of the breast
Women must have undergone treatment for breast cancer, including one or more of the following: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Women undergoing active chemotherapy are not allowed on study. Immunotherapy or targeted agent usage is allowed.
Any current treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast cancer
Inability to safely engage in group sessions of resistance training as deemed by study PI
Severe arthritic, joint, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal condition deemed by PI to be unsafe to engage in resistance training
Beta blocker or GLP-1 inhibitor medications
Parallel
Resistance Training with Cardio
BehavioralParticipants in this arm will engage in a supervised exercise regimen three times per week, for approximately 2 months (8 weeks). The regimen combines two days of hypertrophy-focused resistance training with a third day dedicated to steady-state cardiovascular exercise. The cardio day will utilize ergometer-based exercises (rowing ergometer, Assault Air Bike) and unweighted sled pushes, with each activity lasting 10 minutes continuously. The overall program aims to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in breast cancer survivors, under the guidance of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS).
Resistance Training with Conditioning
BehavioralParticipants in this arm will engage in a supervised exercise regimen three times per week, for approximately 2 months (8 weeks). The regimen combines two days of hypertrophy-focused resistance training with a third day dedicated to high-intensity conditioning. The conditioning day involves a circuit format of 6 total exercises, completed for 8 repetitions each across 8 sets, with limited rest periods (10 seconds or less) between exercises and sets. Exercise selection is total-body focused, alternating between upper and lower body movements. The program aims to improve muscular conditioning and body composition in breast cancer survivors, under the guidance of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS).
Change in Muscle Mass
Measured as total muscle mass (kg), determined via InBody 970 bioimpedance analysis and ultrasound (BodyMetrix) for muscle tissue thickness.
Change in Fat Mass
Measured as total fat mass (kg), determined via InBody 970 bioimpedance analysis and ultrasound (BodyMetrix) for adipose tissue thickness.
Change in Blood Pressure
Pre-workout blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) measurements.
Change in Resting Metabolic Rate
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) at the completion of the exercise regimen.
Change in Body Composition Metrics (Other than Muscle/Fat Mass)
Includes body mass, % fat, and % fat-free mass, measured via InBody 970 bioimpedance analysis.
Change in Phase Angle
Phase angle, determined via InBody 970 bioimpedance analysis.
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