Mayo Clinic — Breast cancer, Reasoning and Activity INtervention (BRAIN)

Mayo Clinic — Breast cancer, Reasoning and Activity INtervention (BRAIN)

Researcher(s):

Diane Ehlers, PHD, Principal Investigator
Melissa Cole, Program Coordinator

Summary/Abstract:

This study aims to understand the effects of aerobic exercise compared with health education on memory, attention, and brain health in women with breast cancer. Study findings may help researchers design more programs that can improve memory, attention, and brain health in other women with breast cancer.

What does participation involve?

Participants are randomized to a 6-month aerobic exercise program or a 6-month health education program. Participants in the exercise program receive a 6-month membership to a community fitness center and are paired 1:1 with a personal trainer. Participants in the health education program receive a 6-month virtual health education program led by health educators. Women in the health education group are offered a 6-month membership to the
community fitness center after completing the study.

Complete 3 testing appointments that include:

  • Brain games at baseline, 6, and 12 months
  • An exercise test at baseline, 6, and 12 months
  • MRI brain scan at baseline and 6 months
  • Questionnaires at baseline, 6, and 12 months

All participants wear an activity tracker for the duration of the study that is theirs to keep, receive a 6-month membership to a community fitness center, and receive payment for time spent in data collection visits.

Must be:

  • Female ≥ 50 years of age
  • Diagnosed Stage I-IIIa breast cancer
  • Completed treatment within 3-36 months of study enrollment (women currently on
    hormonal therapy are eligible)
  • Self-report less than 90 minutes per week, on average, of moderate to vigorous exercise for
    the previous 6 months
  • Able to travel to study locations for data collection and exercise sessions
  • Able to complete the MRI brain scan
  • Able to walk without assistance or devices
  • NO evidence of possible cognitive impairment or neurological condition(s)

Where/Location?

Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area

How to sign up for this study:

If you have questions or are interested in participating, click the link below:
https://www.mayo.edu/research/labs/exercise-neuropsychology/research/brain-study

For any questions, please contact Melissa Cole, Program Coordinator, at

arzbrainstudy@mayo.edu