Telehealth Exercise Program to Improve Cognitive Function in Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy, PROJECT Trial
This clinical trial evaluates the effects of a telehealth exercise program to understand how physical activity affects the way the brain processes information in patients diagnosed with breast cancer who are planning to receive chemotherapy. Cognitive deficits can occur during cancer treatment. “Chemo-brain,” or cancer-related cognitive decline (CRCD) is defined as the loss of mental acuity associated with cancer and its subsequent treatment. CRCD can present as impaired verbal and visual memory, attention, concentration, language, motor skills, multitasking, and the ability to organize information. Maintaining sufficient levels of physical activity is important to both prevent cancer and improve health post-diagnosis. Physical activity after breast cancer improves functional and psychosocial health and is associated with reduced risk of recurrence and mortality. The benefits of physical activity for cognitive function are emerging but incomplete. Information gained from this research may help determine whether utilizing a telehealth exercise program can improve cognitive function in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.