Impact of LOFT Therapy™ on Breast Cancer Survivors
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Breast Cancer |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Oncology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - Any |
| Updated: | 8/15/2018 |
| Start Date: | July 28, 2015 |
| End Date: | March 29, 2018 |
Impact of LOFT Therapy™ on Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of LOFT Therapy in breast
cancer survivors. In a previous study, the investigators found that many patients are more
debilitated at diagnosis than previously recognized. Both chemotherapy and anti-estrogen
therapy have a large effect. Within 6 months patients replace muscle with fat leading to a
significant reduction in muscle power and endurance. Our data suggests that common exercise
recommendations for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week would be far beyond many of our
patients' physical ability after therapy, leading to the soreness, injury, frustration, and
early discontinuation (or failure to initiate an exercise program in the first place). The
degree of muscle loss seen in our patients is similar to that documented in US astronauts
after long-term space flight. Our collaborator Dr. Yvonne Cagle, retired USAF flight surgeon,
noted that the cosmonauts were in better shape (had less muscle atrophy) than the astronauts.
This difference was more than could be explained by the rigorous Russian exercise program.
The only key distinction was the compressive, "penguin suits" used by the Russians. This
observation lead Dr. Cagle to develop a technique called low intensity, off
loaded-compressive therapy (LOFT) to replicate the impact of the Russian penguin suits for
patients who were debilitated, whether by space flight or by chronic conditions such as
arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The LOFT method does not require
excessive exertion or strain on the joints. In field observations, LOFT therapy improved
muscle strength, muscle mass, endurance, sleep quality, and fatigue. This pilot study is the
first to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and biologic impact of LOFT on breast cancer
survivors.
cancer survivors. In a previous study, the investigators found that many patients are more
debilitated at diagnosis than previously recognized. Both chemotherapy and anti-estrogen
therapy have a large effect. Within 6 months patients replace muscle with fat leading to a
significant reduction in muscle power and endurance. Our data suggests that common exercise
recommendations for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week would be far beyond many of our
patients' physical ability after therapy, leading to the soreness, injury, frustration, and
early discontinuation (or failure to initiate an exercise program in the first place). The
degree of muscle loss seen in our patients is similar to that documented in US astronauts
after long-term space flight. Our collaborator Dr. Yvonne Cagle, retired USAF flight surgeon,
noted that the cosmonauts were in better shape (had less muscle atrophy) than the astronauts.
This difference was more than could be explained by the rigorous Russian exercise program.
The only key distinction was the compressive, "penguin suits" used by the Russians. This
observation lead Dr. Cagle to develop a technique called low intensity, off
loaded-compressive therapy (LOFT) to replicate the impact of the Russian penguin suits for
patients who were debilitated, whether by space flight or by chronic conditions such as
arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The LOFT method does not require
excessive exertion or strain on the joints. In field observations, LOFT therapy improved
muscle strength, muscle mass, endurance, sleep quality, and fatigue. This pilot study is the
first to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and biologic impact of LOFT on breast cancer
survivors.
Objectives This pilot trial will provide feedback on the feasibility and impact of LOFT in
breast cancer survivors. The investigators will also explore the relationship of the LOFT
intervention to changes in insulin resistance, growth hormone levels, body mass index,
patient reported physical activity, fatigue, and overall quality of life.
Primary Objective Evaluate the safety and feasibility of LOFT training in breast cancer
survivors (< 3 years from diagnosis) treated with either chemotherapy and/or anti-estrogen
therapy.
Secondary Objectives
1. Estimate the effect size of LOFT training on muscle power, endurance, daily activity,
fatigue, and quality of life.
2. Estimate the effect of short-term LOFT training on biochemical parameters of
inflammation, metabolism, anabolic hormone secretion, and bone turnover.
LOFT Therapy™ Summary LOFT Therapy™ is a form of exercise that requires less energy for
movement. LOFT Therapy™ will be performed 2 times a week for 4 weeks a total of 8 sessions.
The patient will be wrapped with fabric cuffs, on up to four limbs. The cuffs are applied to
the widest part of the biceps and upper thighs at pressures between 80-100 mmHg with minimal
venous encroachment. The patients will ride a recumbent bike for 18 total minutes of
sub-maximal exertion (up to 70% repetition maximum ), with the option of up to 2 periods of
15-second higher intensity exertions as tolerated, followed by individualized respiratory
recovery periods determined by the relative decrease in breathing effort.
The 18-minute session will be preceded by a two-minute compression check, where the wraps
will be adjusted based on any signs or symptoms of nerve or vessel impingement. Patients will
undergo an intake and outtake assessment with each session to collect subjective data and
patient feedback. Two compression sessions will be conducted for 4 weeks, for a total of 8
sessions.
This study will enroll 15 patients. A 20% dropout rate for this group was taken into
consideration so the investigators assume analysis will be done on at least 12 patients.
breast cancer survivors. The investigators will also explore the relationship of the LOFT
intervention to changes in insulin resistance, growth hormone levels, body mass index,
patient reported physical activity, fatigue, and overall quality of life.
Primary Objective Evaluate the safety and feasibility of LOFT training in breast cancer
survivors (< 3 years from diagnosis) treated with either chemotherapy and/or anti-estrogen
therapy.
Secondary Objectives
1. Estimate the effect size of LOFT training on muscle power, endurance, daily activity,
fatigue, and quality of life.
2. Estimate the effect of short-term LOFT training on biochemical parameters of
inflammation, metabolism, anabolic hormone secretion, and bone turnover.
LOFT Therapy™ Summary LOFT Therapy™ is a form of exercise that requires less energy for
movement. LOFT Therapy™ will be performed 2 times a week for 4 weeks a total of 8 sessions.
The patient will be wrapped with fabric cuffs, on up to four limbs. The cuffs are applied to
the widest part of the biceps and upper thighs at pressures between 80-100 mmHg with minimal
venous encroachment. The patients will ride a recumbent bike for 18 total minutes of
sub-maximal exertion (up to 70% repetition maximum ), with the option of up to 2 periods of
15-second higher intensity exertions as tolerated, followed by individualized respiratory
recovery periods determined by the relative decrease in breathing effort.
The 18-minute session will be preceded by a two-minute compression check, where the wraps
will be adjusted based on any signs or symptoms of nerve or vessel impingement. Patients will
undergo an intake and outtake assessment with each session to collect subjective data and
patient feedback. Two compression sessions will be conducted for 4 weeks, for a total of 8
sessions.
This study will enroll 15 patients. A 20% dropout rate for this group was taken into
consideration so the investigators assume analysis will be done on at least 12 patients.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancer within the past 3 years
- Must have completed local therapy for their breast cancer
- Must have received systemic therapy for their breast cancer (anti-estrogen and/or
chemotherapy)
- Chemotherapy must be complete prior to entry
- Anti-estrogen therapy may be ongoing
- Ambulatory without assistive devices
- No orthopedic restrictions or neurologic deficits that would limit ability to complete
the Power Protocol (based on the opinion of the investigator)
- No requirement for supplemental O2
- No unstable angina, regular use of nitroglycerin for exertional angina, or MI within
the last 12 months
- No local or distant recurrence of their breast cancer
- No active lymphedema
- No history of hemorrhagic stroke
- No Heparin or Coumadin Use
- No symptomatic peripheral vascular obstructions
- No active gallbladder disease
- No active kidney stones
- No active gout
- No active diverticulitis
- No pituitary diseases or growth
- Able to provide written informed consent and authorization for release of health
information
- Able to commit to LOFT training 2 times/week for 4 weeks
Exclusion Criteria:
- Inability to meet one of the inclusion criteria above.
We found this trial at
2
sites
Click here to add this to my saved trials
535 Barnhill Dr
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
(888) 600-4822
Phone: 317-278-5117
Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center At the IU Simon Cancer Center, more...
Click here to add this to my saved trials