EAST HANOVER, N.J., Oct. 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kessler Foundation is recruiting study participants for research programs aimed at better understanding the long-term effects of breast cancer and cancer treatment on physical health and brain function.Although advances have been made in early detection and treatment of cancer, many women are left with long-term symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, or problems with memory and concentration—(cognitive symptoms sometimes called "chemo brain"). According to Guang Yue, PhD, director of Human Performance and Engineering Research at Kessler Foundation, two studies examining the side effects of breast cancer treatment are underway, in collaboration with Serena Wong, MD, at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and Michael Stubblefield, MD, at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. The studies are being conducted at Kessler Foundation in West Orange, NJ.
Effect of Exercise Training on Cancer-Related Weakness
The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to study the effectiveness of exercise training on the cancer-related symptoms of weakness and fatigue. Participants are randomly assigned to an exercise training group, or to a 'no-training' control group. Those in the control group will come to Kessler Foundation for two visits, while participants in the exercise group will come for six visits. All will undergo brain imaging (MRI) and EEG recording, while performing various hand tasks in order to study brain activity. Participants assigned to the exercise training group will also receive 30 training sessions (five training sessions per week for six weeks).
To be eligible, participants must be right-handed women aged 50 to 75 years, who have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in the past 10 years, and who are not involved in regular strength exercise.
Participants will be compensated $300 for the test sessions, and an additional $900 when they complete the exercise training. Participants must visit Kessler Foundation two or three times, and the sessions must take place four to six months apart. During each visit, participants will undergo brain imaging (MRI) and EEG recording, while performing special manual tasks in order to study brain function.
Learning more about "Chemo Brain"
This study examines the post-chemotherapy side effect called "chemo brain", often described by patients as persistent difficulties with thinking, remembering, or performing fine hand movements.
To be eligible, participants must be women aged 20 to 70 years who have had or are scheduled to have surgery for breast cancer, and who have had, or are scheduled to receive, chemotherapy and/or hormone treatment. Healthy volunteers aged 20 to 70 years, who have not had breast cancer, are also needed for the study. Participants must visit Kessler Foundation two or three times, and the sessions must take place four to six months apart. During each visit, participants will undergo brain imaging (MRI) and EEG recording, while performing special manual tasks. Participants will be compensated for taking part in the research.
About Kessler Foundation: Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes - including employment - for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs to expand opportunities for employment of people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.
To enroll or learn more about these studies, contact Justin Stanley, Research Recruitment Specialist; 973-243-6812 jstanley@kesslerfoundation.org
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CONTACT:Justin Stanley
Research Recruitment Specialist
973-243-6812 jstanley@kesslerfoundation.org
