Multimodal, supervised exercise training: The multicomponent exercise intervention included a 10-minute warm-up consisting of balance, coordination, and stretching exercises. The main component was resistance training targeting major upper and lower body muscle groups to improve muscle strength and mass. Six to eight exercises were performed using body weight, elastic bands, and dumbbells. Training progression was achieved by increasing load, repetitions, and/or sets, guided by the 0-10 Borg rating of perceived exertion when health status permitted. The aerobic component consisted of walking progressing to beginner-level running, using short running intervals (50-100 m) interspersed with walking until longer continuous distances were achieved. Heart rate was monitored throughout the aerobic session.
Study summary
Our primary objective is to assess the effects of exercise on cancer-related sarcopenia and its hallmarks, including muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance. The secondary objectives are to examine exercise adherence and the effects of exercise on health-related quality of life (QoL), cancer-related fatigue, and sleep quality. Additionally, we will explore the effects of exercise on bone and fat mass as secondary outcomes.
Eligibility
Sex
FEMALE
Min age
18 Years
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* \> 18 years old women with a confirmed diagnosis of breast or gynecological cancer.
* Any level of sarcopenia (pre-sarcopenia, sarcopenia, or severe sarcopenia).
* Patients must have completed their primary treatment regimen (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy) for at least 2 weeks and up to 2 years before enrolment.
* have received the medical consent to be engaged in physical exercise programs.
Exclusion Criteria:
* The presence of one or more comorbidities that could potentially interfere with attendance or test results (e.g., other cancers or acute or chronic renal failure);
* Already in exercise programs comparable to the HERA program;
* Evidence of severe cardiovascular disease as a result of an electrocardiogram.
Primary outcome measure(s)
sarcopenia — baseline, week 24 (post exercise) Sarcopenia was determined using the revised European Consensus on Definition and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia \[Cruz-Jentoft et al. 2019\], with handgrip strength cut-offs adapted to the Brazilian population \[Lima et al. 2025\]. Any level of sarcopenia was considered to patients inclusion in the sarcopenic group, as follows: (i) pre-sarcopenia, low muscular strength (hand grip strength \< 23 kg); (ii) sarcopenia, low muscular strength accompanied by low muscle mass (appendicular muscle mass \< 15 kg); and severe sarcopenia, low muscular strength and low muscle mass accompanied by low physical performance assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score \< 8).
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
State University of Londrina
Londrina
Paraná
More State University of Londrina trials in Brazil
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
We use cookies to analyse site traffic and improve your experience. With your consent, we may also use cookies for advertising. You can change your choice at any time.
