Inspiratory Muscle Training for Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy

This clinical trial studies whether breathing exercises for the muscles that help with breathing air in, inspiratory muscle training (IMT), works to improve breathing muscle strength, shortness of breath, and physical activity levels in women who are receiving chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer (BC). Cancer and/or treatments for BC can directly result in muscle wasting that involves breathing muscles, skeletal muscles or heart muscles. Pain, weakness, shortness of breath, and side effects of cancer treatment may lead to lower physical activity levels. IMT involves breathing exercises using a small hand-held device. The device makes it a little harder to breathe in, which may help strengthen breathing muscles. IMT may be an effective way to improve breathing muscle strength, shortness of breath, and physical activity levels in women who are receiving chemotherapy for early-stage BC.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 8 weeks of IMT on inspiratory muscle strength, exertional dyspnea, and physical activity levels among women undergoing chemotherapy for BC. OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms. ARM 1: Patients complete three sets of fifteen repetitions per session of low-intensity IMT over 15-20 minutes four days a week for 8 weeks. ARM 2: Patients complete three sets of fifteen repetitions per session of high-intensity IMT over 15-20 minutes four days a week for 8 weeks.