Developing a Comprehensive Exercise Service for Breast Cancer Process

Conditions studied

Breast Cancer

About this study

"Moving Together" (Juntas en Movimiento) is a hospital-based, comprehensive, and personalized exercise service designed for women diagnosed with breast cancer. This implementation study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and impact of integrating a free, tailored exercise program into routine clinical care at Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid, Spain. The program offers multiple participation options-supervised in-person, supervised online, autonomous at home, or autonomous at a fitness center-allowing patients to choose based on their preferences, limitations, and treatment phase (pre-surgery, during chemotherapy/radiotherapy, or survivorship). All exercise options are adapted to individual needs and include aerobic and resistance training components. The study uses a real-world implementation science approach, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), to assess clinical, physical, and psychological outcomes such as quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body composition, and adherence to physical activity. Data are collected through clinical records, physical assessments, validated questionnaires, and wearable technology. This pioneering initiative in Spain seeks to establish exercise as a standard complementary therapy in oncology care, bridging the gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice, and promoting long-term health and well-being in breast cancer patients.

Interventions

• Other: Supervised in-person exercise training — Participants attend 60-minute, twice-weekly exercise sessions at GO fit Vallehermoso. Sessions include warm-up, aerobic and resistance training, and cool-down. Exercises are tailored to the patient's treatment phase (pre-surgery, during chemotherapy/radiotherapy, or survivorship) and adjusted based on symptoms like fatigue or pain. Heart rate is monitored in real time. Groups are formed by treatment phase and physical capacity to ensure safety and personalization.
• Other: Supervised Online Exercise Training — Participants follow the same structure as the in-person group but attend sessions via live video conferencing. They receive equipment and training on using the MYZONE app for heart rate monitoring. Sessions are interactive, allowing real-time feedback and social support. This option is designed for patients with mobility, time, or travel limitations.
• Other: Home-Based Autonomous Exercise Program — Participants receive structured exercise guidelines to follow independently at home. Programs include aerobic and strength exercises using bodyweight or household items, with three levels of progression. Training is recommended 1-3 times per week. Participants track activity using a diary and smartphone accelerometer. Programs are adapted to treatment phase and personal capacity.
• Other: Gym-Based Autonomous Exercise Program — Participants follow individualized exercise guidelines at the gym, using gym equipment for strength and aerobic training. The program is self-directed but based on the same structure and progression as supervised programs. Activity is tracked via accelerometers and exercise logs. Participants choose this option based on preference and access to gym facilities.
• Other: Usual Care Without Structured Exercise — Participants in this group do not receive any structured exercise intervention. They continue with standard medical care and follow-up as prescribed by their oncology team. They undergo the same clinical, physical, and psychological assessments as the intervention groups to allow for comparison of outcomes.

Primary outcomes

• Change in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30 (Baseline, 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months after enrollment)
• Change in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) measured by the EORTC QLQ-BR42 (Baseline, 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months after enrollment)

Eligibility information

Study locations

• GOfit Vallerhermoso, Madrid, Madrid 28003 Spain