# Evaluating the Feasibility of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training and Impact on Energy Balance Regulation in Breast Cancer Survivors

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2021 · $35,144

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The applicant, Dr. Sarah Purcell, received graduate training in energy metabolism and body composition as it
pertains to nutritional status in individuals with newly-diagnosed cancer. Dr. Purcell's long-term goal is to
develop an independent research program that investigates energy balance as it relates to both nutrition and
exercise interventions in clinical populations, including cancer and obesity. Examining regulators of energy
balance such as appetite and physical activity will facilitate the development of more effective strategies to
mitigate fat mass gain, maintain physical function, improve quality of life and ultimately reduce the public health
burden of obesity. To help Dr. Purcell meet this goal, she has initiated postdoctoral research to investigate in
how components of energy balance such as appetite, energy intake, and non-exercise activity are affected by
structured exercise. Dr. Purcell and her mentoring team have developed a comprehensive training plan that
will build upon her expertise in nutritional oncology while expanding her knowledge of energy balance in the
context of exercise interventions, obesity, and oncology. Dr. Purcell’s primary training objectives include: 1)
Improve theoretical knowledge of energy intake regulation, exercise, metabolism, and biostatistics, 2) Develop
new research skills, 3) Lead a human intervention trial, 4) Enhance her professional development and network,
and 5) Improve communication skills, publication record, and grantsmanship. To achieve these goals, Dr.
Purcell’s proposed research project will 1) Examine the feasibility and acceptability of combining aerobic
exercise training with an ongoing resistance exercise training program compared to resistance training alone,
and 2) Elucidate potential alterations in appetite, energy intake, energy expenditure, and non-exercise physical
activity during twelve weeks of combined aerobic/resistance exercise compared to a sedentary control
condition among stage I-III breast cancer survivors. These activities will lead to several first-author publications
and provide preliminary data to support continued mentored career development funding (i.e. K01). Data
arising from this project will also inform the rationale and design of continued research aimed at understanding
whole-body mechanisms of energy balance regulation in response to exercise training. Dr. Purcell will also
have several opportunities for co-authorship within her sponsor’s and co-sponsor’s laboratories and other
collaborators at the University of Colorado. Collectively, these activities will provide an unprecedented
opportunity to develop Dr. Purcell’s research knowledge and skills, while providing a foundation for a
successful independent research career.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10217034
- **Project number:** 5F32CA254253-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Sarah Anne Purcell
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $35,144
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-07-15 → 2021-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10217034

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10217034, Evaluating the Feasibility of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training and Impact on Energy Balance Regulation in Breast Cancer Survivors (5F32CA254253-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10217034. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*