Patients with MBC are living longer due to improved treatments, yet up to 92% experience functional decline and reduced quality of life. Exercise is a recommended, safe, and effective intervention for improving function, strength, fitness, and quality of life, but most patients do not meet guidelines. At UNC, a recent needs-assessment survey study of MBC patients (n=50) found that 52% were sedentary, although 72% believed increased exercise would improve treatment tolerance. GRH, established in 2006, offers 16 weeks of free, expert-led exercise including aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility training tailored to participant needs. Despite its availability, only 4% of surveyed patients had been referred.
This study will evaluate the feasibility of implementing GRH for all MBC patients at UNC and assess its impact on quality of life, physical functioning, fatigue, and social isolation. Feasibility will be defined as attending ≥24 of 32 sessions. Patient-reported outcomes including Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Breast (FACT-B), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) -Physical Function, the modified Medical Outcomes Social Support Survey, and PROMIS Social Isolation-will be collected electronically at baseline and at 16 weeks.
