GET FIT is a 3-group, single-blind, parallel design, randomized controlled trial in women 50–75 years old who have completed chemotherapy for cancer, comparing 1) Tai Ji Quan, 2) strength training, and 3) a placebo

control group of seated stretching exercise. Women participate in supervised study programs twice per week for 6 months and are followed for GW-572016 manufacturer an additional 6 months after formal training stops. The primary outcome in GET FIT is falls, which is prospectively tracked by monthly self-report, and secondary outcomes are maximal leg strength, postural stability, and physical function measured at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. The sample for GET FIT is large (n = 429, assuming 25% attrition), but will provide adequate statistical power to detect at least a 47% reduction in the fall rate over 1 year by being in either of the two exercise groups versus the control group. GET FIT has enrolled 154 women into the study to date and is on track to disseminate study findings in 2017. The trial is expected to yield important new knowledge about improving strength or balance and preventing falls using evidence-based exercise interventions for women following chemotherapy for cancer. Exercise interventions are helpful in improving quality this website of life in cancer survivors and curbing side effects during active treatment.59 The American College of Sports Medicine, American Cancer Society, and National Comprehensive

Cancer Network have issued guidelines for exercise in cancer survivors that are consistent with exercise recommendations for the general public, calling for individuals to engage in at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise

per week plus 2–3 weekly strength training sessions.59, 60 and 61 While these recommendations were based primarily on studies of QoL outcomes in breast cancer survivors, there was very little evidence coming from controlled trials in men or women with other cancers and little evidence at all from controlled trials with outcomes relevant to disability, falls, or CVD. Both sets of guidelines recommend a substantial volume the of aerobic and resistance exercise that may be an unachievable goal for aging cancer survivors, because many already report difficulty with simple functional tasks after cancer treatment.11 Nearly 70% of cancer survivors fail to achieve recommended amounts of aerobic exercise, and few engage in any resistance exercise.20, 62 and 63 Thus, it is unlikely that older cancer survivors can achieve target goals to engage in at least 150 min of aerobic exercise plus 2–3 resistance training sessions per week. The current recommendations, however, do not include non-traditional exercise modalities, such as Tai Ji Quan training, which are attractive forms of exercise for adults deconditioned from cancer treatment because both cardiovascular and mobility outcomes can be improved even in those with low exercise tolerance.