Cognitive bias modification training (IVY) countering fatigue in people with breast cancer: A waitlist-control...

The feasibility of a fatigue Cognitive Bias Modification training was evaluated in women on treatment for breast cancer in a multi-center waitlist-control design assessing feasibility criteria, such as recruitment, retention, and completion rates, as well as effects on fatigue bias.

Five hospitals were each asked to recruit 30 patients, who were sequentially divided in active and delayed treatment groups. Fatigue bias and self-reported outcomes (fatigue, vitality, avoidance, and all-or-nothing behavior) were measured in baseline, training, and follow-up phases.

Feasibility results were mixed with recruitment and retention not meeting predetermined criteria, but completion and variability were judged positively. Training effects on fatigue bias compared to control were found.

This study evaluated a promising novel fatigue intervention. Continuation with an RCT is encouraged with recruitment and retention strategies reconsidered.

This study's protocol (Geerts, et al., 2024) was preregistered at the Open Science Framework on October 31st, 2023.