NCT07587957 · Florida Atlantic University
Exploring the Feasibility of an Exercise and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Intervention in Breast Cancer Survivors
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of a 4-week intervention combining exercise and transcranial alternating current stimulation (Ex+tACS) in breast cancer survivors who report experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment. Feasibility will be assessed by measuring participant retention, adherence, satisfaction with the intervention, and safety.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of a 4-week intervention combining exercise and transcranial alternating current stimulation (Ex+tACS) in breast cancer survivors who report experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment. Feasibility will be assessed by measuring participant retention, adherence, satisfaction with the intervention, and safety. The researchers will also examine pre-to-post intervention changes in attention, executive function, working memory, perceived cognitive function, and physical function before, after, and four weeks post intervention completion in the Ex+tACS group compared to a control group who will receive exercise and a placebo tACS condition (CON).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Exercise + transcranial alternating current stimulation (Ex+tACS)
The Ex+tACS group will complete a four-week intervention consisting of 3 days/week of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on a treadmill at a sustained moderate intensity, immediately followed by 15 min of tACS while completing the AX Continuous Performance Test (AX-CPT).
BEHAVIORAL
Control
The Control (CON) group will complete 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on the treadmill followed by the Sustained Attention-Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT) with a sham tACS condition. After each session, both the EX+tACS and control participants will complete a questionnaire regarding experience with tACS.
Primary outcome measures
Adherence
Time frame: From baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention
Adherence will be calculated based on the percentage of prescribed sessions attended and percentage of participants who complete the prescribed exercise and tACS sessions.
Retention
Time frame: From baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention
Retention will be determined by the number of enrolled breast cancer survivors who participate in the four-week intervention and complete post assessments.
Acceptability
Time frame: From baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention
Acceptability will be determined by the percentage of participants who report satisfaction with the intervention.
Safety (Adverse Events)
Time frame: From baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention
Safety (\<5% of serious adverse events) will be determined by the percentage of participants experiencing a serious adverse event related to the program.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Breast cancer survivors (≥18 years) will be eligible to participate if the following inclusion criteria is met:
- Diagnosed non-metastatic breast cancer (stages 0-3)
- Completed primary breast cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) for at least 3 months
- Self-reported cognitive impairment after cancer treatment
Exclusion criteria
- Current participation in aerobic exercise for ≥60 min/wk
- Contraindication or impairment that precludes the potential participant from exercise as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine
- The presence of serious medical illnesses, metal implants, previous brain trauma, epilepsy or history of seizures, previous surgery to the head or spinal cord, or skin problems at the forehead area where the tACS electrodes will be applied
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
- Functional impairments or physical condition that would make exercise unsafe
- Metastatic cancer or diagnosis of a different cancer (excluding melanoma) within the past 5 years
- Contraindication to exercise a defined by the American College of Sports Medicine
Where
- Boca Raton, Florida
Collaborators
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Florida Department of Health
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations