Peer-Based Exercise for Cancer
(P4E RCT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new virtual exercise program called PartnerMatch for older adults in Canada who have experienced cancer. The goal is to determine if peer support and tailored exercise plans can enhance physical activity, social interaction, and overall quality of life. Participants will be divided into three groups: one with peer support and professional exercise guidance, one with only peer support, and one without extra support. It suits those who have had cancer, are medically cleared for exercise, and have regular internet access. As a Phase 2/3 trial, this study evaluates the program's effectiveness in a larger group and represents a crucial step before potential approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to meaningful advancements in cancer recovery support.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on exercise and peer support for older adults with cancer.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that exercise programs like PartnerMatchPLUS, which involve peer collaboration, are generally safe and well-received by older adults who have had cancer. Studies have found that when these programs include support from qualified exercise professionals (QEPs), participants usually experience fewer side effects because the exercises are tailored to their needs.
Past participants have responded positively, with few reported problems. Support from both peers and professionals ensures exercises are done safely and correctly, allowing participants to gradually reach their exercise goals without overexertion.
For the PartnerMatch program, which includes peer support but not professional guidance, less detailed safety information is available. However, similar programs have not shown major safety issues. Participants mainly help each other, which can be motivating and enjoyable.
Overall, these exercise programs are designed to be safe and flexible, considering each person's health and fitness level. Feedback from past trials supports their safety, with most participants reporting improved well-being and few problems.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to boost exercise among cancer survivors through social support. Unlike standard care, which often involves individual exercise programs, PartnerMatch pairs participants to support each other, while PartnerMatchPLUS adds professional guidance with weekly virtual sessions led by a qualified exercise professional. This approach not only provides tailored exercise plans but also emotional and esteem support, potentially making it easier for participants to overcome barriers and stick to a routine. By examining these social and professional support models, researchers hope to uncover effective strategies for improving overall health and quality of life for cancer survivors.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for older adults with cancer?
Research has shown that exercise programs can greatly improve the quality of life for older adults with cancer. In one study, participants in community exercise programs reported feeling healthier and less tired. Another review found that exercise activities helped cancer survivors become more active. The PartnerMatchPLUS trial aims to build on these findings by increasing exercise and social support through peer and professional assistance, both crucial for well-being. Meanwhile, the PartnerMatch program focuses on peer support without professional guidance. Overall, regular, organized exercise with peer support has improved both physical health and social connections for older adults dealing with cancer.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
The Partner4Exercise trial is for older adults aged 65 and above who have had cancer. It's designed to help those struggling with physical activity, social isolation, and quality of life due to their condition. Participants must be able to engage in a virtual exercise program.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in a 10-week virtual peer-based exercise intervention with or without qualified exercise professional support
Tapering
Participants in the PartnerMatchPLUS group have access to a QEP for consultation for four weeks post-intervention
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for exercise volume, social support, QOL, frailty, and physical activity enjoyment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- PartnerMatch
- PartnerMatchPLUS
Trial Overview
This study tests a peer-based exercise intervention delivered virtually. There are three groups: one gets peer support plus professional guidance (PartnerMatchPLUS), another just peer support (PartnerMatch), and the last receives usual care without added intervention.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
This group will have dyads take part together in weekly virtual sessions with a qualified exercise professional (QEP) for 10 weeks. Sessions will last 1 hour. The QEP will provide tailored exercise counselling for both individuals in the dyad based on personal circumstances, cancer-related characteristics, side effects, and current fitness level with an overall goal of having them meet exercise guidelines for cancer survivors by the intervention end. A standardized guide will be used to deliver weekly sessions, personalized to participants' goals. Content discussed at sessions will include informational support (benefits of exercise), tangible assistance (suggestions for an exercise program), emotional support (overcoming barriers), and esteem support (encouragement). For four weeks following the 10-week intervention, the QEP will be available for consultation to answer questions as needed.
Dyads in this group will independently communicate and support each other around exercise for 10 weeks. They will not have contact with the study QEP during the intervention or tapering period. They will be asked to check in with their partner at least once per week but otherwise will structure their communication (mode and frequency) with their matched peer. After the final assessment time point, dyads in this group will be offered a single virtual session with the study QEP to discuss exercise-related questions. They will be asked to document any exercise-related questions that come up during the study period to be answered during the QEP session.
Participants in this group will receive no intervention. They will not be introduced to a partner and will not communicate with the study QEP throughout the project. They will be offered a single session with the study QEP after the final assessment (and asked to track questions).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
McMaster University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Partner4Exercise Randomized Controlled Trial
The primary aim of this study is to determine if older adults with cancer who participate in a virtually delivered peer matching exercise ...
Effectiveness of physical activity interventions among rural ...
This review estimated the effectiveness of behavior change interventions to increase physical activity (PA) among rural adult cancer survivors.
Community-based exercise program effectiveness and safety ...
Participants reported improvements in overall health-related quality of life (P< 0.001), social support (P=0.019), body pain (P=0.016), fatigue (P<0.001), ...
HHS Public Access
This scoping study suggests several strategies that could be taken by agencies, clinicians, and researchers to develop more effective and sustainable exercise ...
5.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/47371302_Exercise_Interventions_for_Cancer_Survivors_A_Meta-Analysis_of_Quality_of_Life_Outcomes(PDF) Exercise Interventions for Cancer Survivors: A Meta- ...
The present meta-analysis examines the efficacy of exercise interventions in improving QOL in cancer survivors, as well as features that may ...
a two-arm randomized controlled trial - PMC
A two-arm randomized controlled trial (n = 108) was designed to compare a virtual peer and QEP-supported intervention group (MatchQEP: n = 54) to a control ...
Beliefs and interests in physical activity programs of cancer ...
This study examined demographic, relationship, exercise, and cancer history correlates of survivors' and their romantic partners' couples-based exercise ...
8.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/365955487_Use_of_Partner-Based_Physical_Activity_Interventions_for_Individuals_Living_With_or_Beyond_a_Cancer_DiagnosisUse of Partner-Based Physical Activity Interventions for ...
Objective(s) To explore the use, parameters, and effectiveness of Partner-Based peer support exercise interventions for cancer survivors.
Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity and Cancer ...
The findings of this large cohort study suggest that 3 to 4 minutes of VILPA per day may be associated with decreased cancer incidence risk.
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.