PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of a seated exercise program on fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in women with metastatic breast cancer. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, longitudinal trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a comprehensive cancer center. SAMPLE: Convenience sample of 38 women who were beginning outpatient chemotherapy. METHODS: Subjects were randomized to a control or intervention group; the intervention was performance of a seated exercise program using home videotape three times per week for four cycles of chemotherapy. All subjects completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Version IV (FACIT-F) at baseline and at the time of the next three cycles. Subjects were asked to document the frequency, duration, and intensity of all exercise participation on monthly calendars. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Exercise, fatigue, and QOL. FINDINGS: 32 subjects, 16 per group, completed the study follow-up. With a mixed modeling approach, total FACIT-F scores for the entire sample declined at a significant rate (p = 0.003) beginning with cycle 3 but at a slower rate for the experimental group (p = 0.02). Fatigue scores indicated less increase and physical well-being subscale scores showed less decline for the experimental group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Women with advanced breast cancer randomized to the seated exercise intervention had a slower decline in total and physical well-being and less increase in fatigue scores starting with the third cycle of chemotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Seated exercise may be a feasible exercise program for women with advanced cancer for controlling fatigue and improving physical well-being.

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