Abstract 7364: Culturally sensitive, virtually supervised, home exercise improves cognition in Latina and Hispanic breast cancer survivors: results from the ROSA Trial
Authors: Elizabeth Cox, Paula Gonzalo-Encabo, Rebekah L. Wilson, Mary K. Norris, Danny Nguyen, Cami N. Christopher, Jocelyn Greer, Christina M. Dieli-Conwright
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Background: Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment contribute to cognitive impairment, including executive and memory dysfunction, which reduce quality of life. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in Hispanic and Latinas, who are often diagnosed at later stages, requiring more aggressive treatment that can increase severity of cognitive impairment. Exercise can safely and effectively improve cognition in cancer survivors, but Latina/Hispanic breast cancer survivors (LHBCS) often do not meet physical activity guidelines and face exercise barriers such as lack of enjoyment and knowledge, self-consciousness, and discouragement. Previous research on exercise and cognition is inconclusive among LHBCS, possibly due to inadequate attention to these barriers. Culturally sensitive, virtually supervised, home exercise interventions may reduce barriers and improve cognition in LHBCS. Aim: This exploratory analysis aims to determine the efficacy of virtually supervised, home exercise to improve cognition in LHBCS enrolled in the ROSA Trial (NCT04717050). Methods: LHBCS (n=64) were randomized to a 16-week progressive aerobic and resistance exercise group (EG) or attention control group (CG). The EG completed ∼90 min sessions led virtually by an exercise trainer, and the CG completed static stretching 3 days/week. Barriers were addressed with Spanish-language materials and staff, and delivery in the home. At pre- and post-intervention, participants completed NIH Cognition Toolbox tasks: i) List Sort Working Memory to assess working memory (ability to hold and manipulate information in mind, a component of executive function), and ii) Picture Sequence Memory to assess episodic memory (ability to learn and recall experiences in daily life). Residual change scores quantified pre- to post-intervention changes in performance. T-tests assessed changes within and between groups; when model assumptions were violated, Mann-Whitney U tests were applied. Results: Thirty-nine LHBCS were included in the analysis (x̄age=55.39, SD=10.18). The EG (n=21) showed significant improvement on List Sort Working Memory (p=0.05, d=0.40) and Picture Sequence Memory (p=0.01, d=0.50) tasks from pre- to post-intervention, while the CG (n=18) showed no significant changes (p&amp;gt;0.05). No significant differences were detected between groups (p&amp;gt;0.05). Discussion: The findings suggest culturally sensitive, virtually supervised, home, progressive combined exercise improves components of executive function and episodic memory in LHBCS. Our results align with evidence that exercise enhances these cognitive domains in BCS. Lack of differences between groups may reflect limited power or variability in individual responses. Future analyses will assess additional cognitive domains and effect mediators (e.g., cardiorespiratory and physical fitness). Citation Format: Elizabeth Cox, Paula Gonzalo-Encabo, Rebekah L. Wilson, Mary K. Norris, Danny Nguyen, Cami N. Christopher, Jocelyn Greer, Christina M. Dieli-Conwright. Culturally sensitive, virtually supervised, home exercise improves cognition in Latina and Hispanic breast cancer survivors: results from the ROSA Trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 7364.