Group Exercise Training for Functional Improvement After Treatment (The GET FIT Trial)

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the relative efficacy of tai chi and strength training to prevent falls in female cancer survivors. II. Determine the mechanism by which tai chi and strength training each reduces the risk of falls. III. Determine how well the benefits of each intervention persist after structured training stops. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: I. Evaluate the effect of the intervention on physical functioning. OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 3 treatment arms. ARM I: Patients attend strength training classes for 1 hour 2 days per week. ARM II: Patients attend tai chi classes for 1 hour 2 days per week. ARM III: Patients attend supervised stretching and relaxation classes for 1 hour 2 days per week. In all arms, treatment continues for 6 months. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up for 6 months.