Effects of aerobic exercise on neurocognitive function in postmenopausal women receiving endocrine therapy for breast cancer: The Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1002/pon.6298
• Publication Date: 2024-01-30T04:29:15Z
• Authors: Catherine M. Bender; Susan M. Sereika; Amanda L. Gentry; Cheryl Cuglewski; Jennie Duquette; George Grove; Meredith Cummings; Myeong‐ga Cho; Adam M. Brufsky; Priscilla McAuliffe; Raye J. Budway; Emilia J. Diego; Steven Evans; Margaret Q. Rosen...; Anna L. Marsland; Yvette P. Conley; Kirk Erickson
• Keywords: Neurocognitive; Aerobic Exercise; Exercise therapy

Abstract Objective The Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition Study was a randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether 6 months of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise improves neurocognitive function women with breast cancer (BC) receiving endocrine therapy (ET). Methods Postmenopausal hormone receptor+, early‐stage BC, within two years post‐primary were the intervention (six months, ≥150 min exercise/week) or usual care control condition. Outcomes assessed at pre‐randomization after completion. Groups compared using linear mixed‐effects modeling. Results Participants ( N = 153) 62.09 ± 8.27 old, stage I BC (64.1%) median 4.7 post‐diagnosis. We found group‐by‐time interaction p 0.041) trend for main effect time 0.11) processing speed improved performance group no change controls. Similar effects observed learning memory 0.024) working 0.01). Better adherence associated 0.017). Conclusions Six postmenopausal ET who initiate 2 completing primary (surgery +/− chemotherapy). This is first large‐scale study examine on BC. Additional research needed address long‐term cognitive function.