Effects of Yoga, Strength Training and Aerobic Exercise on Cognition in Adult Cancer Survivors

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators propose to compare the effects of a 12-week, supervised, site-based group yoga intervention on cognitive function, functional fitness, and well-being in middle-aged cancer survivors. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of three exercise conditions: a yoga group, an aerobic walking group or a strength training group. All sessions (2-3 times per week) will be led by a trained exercise leader for a total of 150 minutes of exercise each week for the 12-week intervention.

Official Title
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Effects of Yoga, Strength Training and Aerobic Exercise on Cognition in Adult Cancer Survivors

Conditions
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Cancer, Cancer-related Problem/Condition, Exercise

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Yoga
* Behavioral: Stretching and Toning
* Behavioral: Aerobic Walking


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 30-70 years of age Cancer diagnosis 1 year since last cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) Not planning to receive treatment during study period Completion of Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) Ambulatory and absence of health conditions that may be exacerbated by yoga, walking, or strength training Physician consent (if deemed necessary) Low-active, i.e. less than 150 minutes/week of moderate to vigorous exercise, no current yoga practice (including within last six months) Intention to remain in the Champaign-Urbana area over the study duration Willingness to be randomly assigned to one of the three groups (yoga, aerobic walking, strength training) Comfortable with reading, writing, and speaking English Exclusion Criteria: Below 30 or above 70 years of age Cancer diagnosis of the brain Less than 1 year since last treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) or plans to receive treatment during study Determined ambulatory or 'high risk' based on responses to PAR-Q High-active (exercising more than 150 minutes/week in the last six months) No consent from physician Intent to be away from the Champaign-Urbana area for an extended period of time during the study Inability to communicate effectively in English

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 30 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Yoga Practice<br>Participants will be led through a beginner yoga course taught by a certified yoga instructor. Classes will meet twice a week for 75 minutes each for the duration of 12 weeks. Sessions will focus on yoga postures, breathing, and meditative practices and may utilize mats, blocks, belts, and blankets. | Behavioral: Yoga<br>* 12 weeks, total of 150 minutes of exercise per week.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Stretching and Toning<br>This 12 week, progressive stretching and toning course will aid participants in building whole body strength and flexibility by utilizing weights, chairs, mats, and various other exercise equipment. Sessions will meet three times a week for 50 minutes and will offer 'easy' and 'hard' modifications taught by an exercise leader. | Behavioral: Stretching and Toning<br>* 12 weeks, total of 150 minutes of exercise per week.<br>|
| Experimental: Aerobic Walking<br>Participants will partake in treadmill walking that encourages them to reach a pre-determined heart rate range. Sessions will be conducted three times a week for 50 minutes, and offer participants to self-select a speed and incline to meet their target heart rate zone. | Behavioral: Aerobic Walking<br>* 12 weeks, total of 150 minutes of exercise per week.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cognitive Function | Participants will complete part of the NIH Toolbox measures that assess cognitive function. | Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be reported | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cardiovascular Function | Participants will complete a submaximal exercise test to reach a target heart rate within 85% of the age-predicted maximum. | Change from baseline to 12 weeks will be reported |