Hormones and Physical Exercise (HOPE) Study

The investigators propose to examine, in 121 postmenopausal breast cancer survivors who have been taking an AI for at least 2 months and are currently experiencing at least mild arthralgia associated with AI use, the effect of a randomized controlled exercise intervention vs. attention control (health education) on severity of arthralgia, endocrine-related Quality of Life(QOL), Bone Mineral Density(BMD), and mediators/mechanisms influencing the effect of exercise on arthralgia severity. Women will be randomized to a year long exercise program or attention control group. Women randomized to exercise will participate in 150 min/wk of aerobic exercise and a twice-weekly strength training program. The investigators will conduct baseline, six-, and 12-month clinic visits, as well as a 3- and 9-month mailing to evaluate the effect of the intervention on study outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

• Postmenopausal women (defined as the surgical or natural absence of menstrual cycles for at least 1 year prior to breast cancer diagnosis).
• 75 years or younger
• AJCC Stages I-IIIC Breast Cancer
• Taking an AI for at least 2 months
• Currently experiencing at least mild arthralgia (= or > 3 on the BPI) associated with AI use
• Physically able to exercise and physician consent to start an exercise program
• Sedentary activity pattern (< 90 mins/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity sports activity) within the past year and low fitness level
• No more than one strength training session per week within the past year
• Agrees to be randomly assigned to either exercise or attention control
• Gives informed consent to participate in all study activities
• Able to come for baseline, 6-, and 12-month clinic visits and strength training sessions (6-month intervention study - able to come for baseline, 6-month clinic visits and strength training sessions).
• Mentally competent

Exclusion criteria

• Lymphedema with self reported 'flare up' in the past 4 months