The TIME-L trial: Time-efficient minimal duration home exercise program for breast cancer survivors in low-resource settings: A pilot study

Objectives: Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) often experience long-term physical and psychosocial problems that negatively affect their health and overall quality of life (QOL). Exercise has been recommended as a safe and effective therapy; however, adherence is often limited by various challenges, including cost, accessibility, and the availability of resources, especially in low-resource settings. Home-based programs, carried out for a minimal duration, using household items, may offer a feasible alternative in such contexts. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a structured, time-efficient minimal duration home exercise protocol (TIME-L Trial) on functional capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life among post-treatment breast cancer survivors. Material and Methods: A single-group, pre–post, pilot study included 20 BCSs, who had completed their treatment. Participants followed a six-week, minimal-duration home exercise program including aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises. The outcomes assessed before and after the intervention included functional capacity through six-minute walk distance (6MWD), muscle strength (one-minute sit-to-stand and wall press), and QOL with Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast (FACT-B). Statistical analysis was performed using paired t -tests, with effect sizes (Cohen’s d ) for paired data, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the magnitude and precision of change. Results: The program was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Adherence was high, with >85% of sessions completed. Significant improvements (p<0.05) were observed in functional capacity, muscle strength, and physical and additional domains of FACT-B QoL following the six-week program. Effect sizes ranged from medium to large across most outcomes, and 95% CIs indicated clinically meaningful changes. Conclusion: The TIME-L Trial demonstrated that a structured, minimal-duration home exercise program is both feasible and effective for improving functional outcomes and quality of life in BCSs.