Exercise Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Fatigue in Female Cancer Patients in Singapore
Pilot Study of Exercise Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Fatigue in Female Cancer Patients in Singapore
National Cancer Centre, Singapore
100 participants
Jul 14, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in improving fatigue levels and breast cancer treatment adherence in breast cancer patients.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria18
- Primary cohort (N=90):
- Female
- ≥21 years of age
- Stage I-III breast cancer regardless of hormone receptor status or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status
- Completed surgery
- Completed adjuvant chemotherapy, if indicated
- Reported fatigue (One-item fatigue scale score ≥ 4)
- Ability to read and communicate in English or Mandarin
- Willing to provide informed consent for the study participation
- Exploratory cohort (N=10):
- Female
- ≥21 years of age
- Stage IV breast cancer regardless of hormone receptor status or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status
- Completed surgery
- Currently receiving systemic therapy (e.g. endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy)
- Reported fatigue (One-item fatigue scale score ≥ 4)
- Ability to read and communicate in English or Mandarin
- Willing to provide informed consent for the study participation
Exclusion Criteria10
- Pregnant or lactating
- Presence of dementia or major psychiatric disease
- Deemed medically unsuitable by medical team for low to moderate intensity exercise
- Unable or unwilling for tele-counselling sessions
- Uncontrolled pain or undiagnosed pain
- Low blood counts: Hb \<8.0, Platelet \<50K, ANC \<1
- Electrolyte imbalances: K \<3.0, Na \<130
- Cardiovascular diseases, including but not limited to: LVEF \<35%, uncontrolled arrhythmias, severe coronary artery disease, severe valvular heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension etc. not cleared by a cardiologist
- Active infection
- Currently engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity
Interventions
Consists of a self-supervised individualized exercise prescription by the rehabilitation professional consisting of aerobic (e.g. brisk walking / cycling) and resistance training exercises, customized by patient preference.
Consists of four major components adapted from previous studies,13,15,16 and delivered by qualified and trained study psychologists. First, the ABCD model of cognitive behavioural therapy (A: activating events, B: beliefs, C: consequences, D: Dispute) will be taught and applied to identify negative, unhelpful beliefs and the emotional, behavioural and physical consequences of those beliefs. Second, patients were taught behavioural strategies to manage fatigue (e.g. sleep hygiene, activity scheduling). Lastly, participants will be guided to reformulate dysfunctional cognitions regarding fatigue, improve coping strategies in relation to significant others (e.g. family, friends) and set goals.
Locations(4)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07116161