Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Whitney Morelli, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin

Disqualifiers: Metastatic disease, Cancer recurrence

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 weeks

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine the optimal timing for sending messages that encourage cancer survivors to increase physical activity and to assess how these messages impact pain levels within 24 hours. Participants will receive up to four daily reminders to get moving and will track their pain and activity levels using an activity monitor. Ideal candidates have survived certain types of cancer, are fluent in English, have a smartphone, and are willing to sign a consent form. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this physical activity promotion intervention is safe for cancer survivors?

Research shows that physical activity is safe for cancer survivors. Studies indicate that exercising during and after cancer treatment is not only safe but also beneficial. For example, one study found that exercise programs are safe and feasible for overweight and obese female cancer survivors. Another study demonstrated that physical activity is safe and helpful for young people with cancer. Overall, current evidence supports that cancer survivors can handle physical activity well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Physical Activity Promotion Intervention because it offers a fresh approach to supporting cancer survivors. Unlike traditional treatments that focus primarily on medical or pharmaceutical methods, this intervention integrates technology with daily life by sending randomized reminders to encourage movement throughout the day. This method not only promotes physical activity but also involves real-time tracking with an activity monitor, providing personalized feedback that can empower participants to manage their health actively. By shifting the focus to lifestyle changes and self-monitoring, this intervention aims to improve overall well-being and quality of life for cancer survivors.

What evidence suggests that this physical activity promotion intervention is effective for cancer survivors?

Research shows that encouraging physical activity greatly benefits cancer survivors. This trial will focus on a Physical Activity Promotion Intervention, where participants receive prompts to report pain symptoms and reminders to engage in physical activity. One review found that programs aimed at changing behavior helped many survivors in rural areas become more active. Another study discovered that using technology and well-planned methods made it easier for survivors to start exercising. Specifically, 88% of participants in one program reported increased exercise. Staying active helps manage pain and improve overall well-being for those who have had cancer. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking cancer survivors aged 65 or older who have chronic pain and a history of certain cancers (bladder, breast, cervical, colorectal, endometrial, lung, prostate). They must be able to use a smartphone and consent to the study. Those with metastatic disease or cancer recurrence cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Fluent in spoken and written English

Patient has access to smartphone

Ability to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it

Exclusion Criteria

My cancer has spread to other parts of my body.

My cancer has come back after treatment.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive randomized prompts to increase physical activity and report pain symptoms over a 4-week period

4 weeks

Daily virtual interactions via smartphone app

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Physical Activity Promotion Intervention

Trial Overview The study aims to find out when it's best to send messages encouraging physical activity in order to manage chronic pain among older cancer survivors. It tracks how often participants feel pain after receiving these prompts.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Micro-randomized trial study arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this one-armed, 4-week trial, participants will receive prompts to report their pain symptoms 4 times throughout the day. Participants may receive up to 4 reminders to move messages throughout the day to promote participants to engage in physical activity. The receipt of messages is randomized each day. Participants will wear a research-grade activity monitor throughout the duration of their participation in the intervention to measure physical activity behaviors.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medical College of Wisconsin

Lead Sponsor

Trials

645

Recruited

1,180,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10129958/

Promoting physical activity among cancer survivors Electronic, wearable health technology-based, BCTs, and theory-based interventions were effective and feasible in promoting physical activity in cancer ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1040842824003457

Grading the evidence for physical activity and any outcome ... In a recent study from a US nationally representative cohort of cancer survivors, more than half reported no physical activity and two-thirds reported sitting ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8580129/

Promoting Physical Activity in Rural Settings: Effectiveness ... Program evaluation data are summarized in Table 3. The majority of cancer survivors reported increased exercise during the program (88%), would recommend the ...

4. aacrjournals.org aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/30/12/2143/674939/Effectiveness-of-Physical-Activity-Interventions

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.

5. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-11660-0

Implementing exercise and self-management for women ... Exercise levels decrease even further during treatment, with over 77% of those receiving chemotherapy not engaging in any form of exercise. The ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10877394/

Physical Activity Intervention Characteristics and Effects on ... Participation in physical activity (PA) during and after cancer treatment is safe and beneficial in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer population.

7. progressreport.cancer.gov progressreport.cancer.gov/after/physical_activity

Cancer Survivors and Physical Activity In 2022, 36.7% of cancer survivors aged 18 years and older reported no physical activity in their leisure time.

8. aspenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com aspenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1177/0884533614551969

Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship - Garcia - 2014 Results: The available literature suggests physical activity is safe and is positively associated with weight management, cardiorespiratory ...