Recruiting
Tai Chi for Reducing Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia
The objective of the pilot RCT is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a Tai Chi intervention "TaiChi4Joint" vs. an HE AC group for relieving AIIA in women with hormone receptor positive stage I-III BCa. The investigators will pilot test our data collection for mechanism measures via three innovatively integrated biobehavioral pathways.
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07737951
PhaseNA
Enrollment40
SponsorThomas Jefferson University
Age18 Years
SexFEMALE
Conditions studied
Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Carcinoma, Postmenopausal, Breast Cancer
About this study
The objective of the pilot RCT is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a Tai Chi intervention "TaiChi4Joint" vs. an HE AC group for relieving AIIA in women with hormone receptor positive stage I-III BCa. The investigators will pilot test our data collection for mechanism measures via three innovatively integrated biobehavioral pathways.
Interventions
- Behavioral: Tai Chi — Routine virtual Tai Chi group classes via Zoom for 1 hour, twice a week, for 12 weeks, three assessments: baseline, post-intervention follow-up and 2-month post-intervention follow-up.
- Behavioral: Health Education — Routine virtual AC classes delivered remotely, three assessments: baseline, post-intervention follow-up and 2-month post-intervention follow up.
Primary outcomes
- Consent Rate (Up to 6 months)
- Engagement Rate (12 weeks)
- Retention Rate (20 weeks)
Eligibility information
Inclusion Criteria:
-Individuals must meet all the following inclusion criteria in order to be eligible to participate in the study:
* Age ≥18 years
* Diagnosis of stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
* Postmenopausal
* Currently receiving an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane) or within 5 years of initiation
* Report joint pain that started or worsened after initiation of AI therapy
* Report worst pain in the past week ≥3 on the BPI (0-10 scale)
* Able to complete study procedures in English
* Willing to be randomized to an intervention or attention control group and adhere to study procedures
Exclusion Criteria:
-An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
* Undergoing active cancer treatment (excluding endocrine therapy)
* Uncontrolled cardiac or pulmonary disease that would limit safe participation
* Currently engaged in regular structured moderate- or vigorous-intensity exercise (e.g., brisk walking, jogging/running, cycling, swimming, aerobic classes, or resistance training) totaling ≥150 minutes per week over the past 3 months
* Currently participating in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, or other structured mind-body practice ≥2 times per week over the past 3 months
* Joint pain due to inflammatory arthritic conditions
* Recent surgery or joint injection within the past 4-6 weeks
* Initiation or dose change of corticosteroids or opioids within the past 4 weeks
* Planned discontinuation of AI therapy within the next 6 months
* This study is limited to women with breast cancer, as \<1% of cases occur in men and data on AIIA in male patients are limited
Study locations
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 United States
Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-10-03.