Simulated-altitude to Optimize Aerobic Exercise Among Breast Cancer Survivors With Limited Mobility

Cancer survivors have a two-fold greater risk of having one or more functional limitations compared to those without a history of cancer. Though exercise interventions in breast cancer survivors exist, a large portion of women (61%) exhibit some form of lower-body dysfunction that severely restricts participation in physical activity and exercise. Both physical and emotional well-being are negatively affected by the combination of increased adiposity, orthopedic problems and muscle weakness, thus reinforcing a cycle of physical inactivity.

For these reasons, obese breast cancer survivors with walking limitations are faced with a barrier that greatly increases the difficulty of meeting prescribed exercise guidelines (≥150 weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise). Though previous investigations have demonstrated the safety and benefits of exercise+simulated altitude to improve body fat, physical endurance and insulin sensitivity, results have been limited to non-cancer participants only. Given the comorbidities common to breast cancer survivors, specifically, heart disease risk, lower body joint problems, low aerobic capacity, and fatigue, further research is needed.

Inclusion criteria

• Physician's medical clearance for participation
• English-speaking women
• 18-70 years of age with a history of Stage 0-III breast cancer
• Preferred walking speed of less than 2.9 mph as measured by a timed 10 meter walk test (to be performed on-site after consent during preliminary screening) "OR" the inability to complete a 6-minute walk without stopping (to be performed on-site after consent during preliminary screening)
• Body mass index between 30-45 kg/m2
• ≥1 year post-treatment and not currently receiving or planning to receive chemo/radiation therapies
• Not participating in a structured exercise routine
• In the previous 6 months, not engaging in (on average) ≥60 minutes of moderate or ≥30 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.

Exclusion criteria

• Males
• Dementia
• Medical, psychological, and/or social characteristics that may interfere with the ability to fully participate in the proposed study activities/assessments (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia)
• Contraindication to participate in regular exercise training
• Unwilling to complete prescribed exercise
• Inability to walk
• Pregnant
• Resting oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry below 90%
• Using home oxygen therapy