HIIT bikes may boost brain power in breast cancer patients on chemo
NCT ID NCT04724499
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 04, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This study tests whether a 16-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on a stationary bike can improve thinking, memory, and heart health in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to either HIIT or a stretching program. Researchers will measure brain function with tests and brain scans, as well as heart fitness.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on a stationary bike
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple exercise program to help breast cancer patients stay sharp during chemotherapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The exercise program is demanding, and some patients may find it too hard to complete.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2021
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent prior to any study-related procedures * Women newly diagnosed (Stage I-III) breast cancer. * Over the age of 18 years; children under the age of 18 will be excluded due to rarity of disease * The effects of exercise on the developing fetus are unknown. For this reason, women of child-bearing potential must agree to undergo a pregnancy test and to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control or abstinence) prior to study entry and for six months following duration of study participation. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect that she is pregnant while participating on the trial, she should inform her treating physician immediately. * Will receive (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy * Speak English * Able to provide physician clearance to participate in the exercise program * Able to initiate a supervised exercise program (free from any cardiovascular, respiratory or musculoskeletal disease or joint problems that preclude moderate physical activity) * Have not experienced a weight reduction ≥10% within the past 6 months * Currently participate in less than 60 minutes of structured exercise/week * Does not smoke (no smoking during previous 12 months) * Willing to travel to DFCI for assessments (54 visits total for those who elect the exercise group with on campus training session, 6 visits for those that elect the exercise at home option, 6 visits for those assigned to the control group) * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients should not have any uncontrolled illness including ongoing or active infection, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease * Patients with other active malignancies are ineligible for this study. * Patients with metastatic disease * Medical history of coronary heart or artery disease, chronic or acute congestive heart failure or history of systolic or diastolic insufficiencies * Participates in more than 60 minutes of structured exercise/week * Orthopedic or other restrictions or contraindications to high-intensity (cycling) exercise * Have a pacemaker or any implantable device that are not MRI safe; the BWH/DFCI Standard MRI screening form * Is unable to travel to DFCI * Patients who are pregnant * Patients with claustrophobia * Subjects, who in the opinion of the investigator, may not be able to comply with the safety monitoring requirements of the study.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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