Partner-based Exercise for Cancer Caregivers and Patients

(C4C Trial)

Overseen By Melanie Keats, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority

Disqualifiers: Medical conditions contraindicating exercise, bereaved caregivers

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

42 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The primary goal of this study will be to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a partner-based 12-week exercise intervention for cancer caregivers and their care recipient. The researchers will also explore the preliminary effectiveness of the exercise program on caregiver burden and physical and psychological health of both the family caregiver and the care recipient.

Research Team

Melanie Keats, PhD

Principal Investigator

Dalhousie University / Nova Scotia Health

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adult cancer patients at any stage of treatment, including up to 5 years post-treatment, and their caregivers. Caregivers must be providing support but not currently meeting the Canadian guidelines for physical activity (less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week). Both parties need to be able to do some low-intensity exercise and consent in English.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to perform discontinuous low intensity physical activity at a minimum

I am a cancer patient or survivor at any stage up to 5 years post-treatment.

Able to provide informed written consent in English

Exclusion Criteria

For informal caregivers: Bereaved caregivers

Patients/survivors and caregivers will be excluded from the study if they have any medical conditions that would contraindicate exercise

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week, partner-based exercise intervention including aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises

12 weeks

Twice weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in caregiver burden, physical and psychological health, and other health metrics

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Multimodal exercise

Trial Overview The study tests a 12-week partner-based exercise program's feasibility and acceptability. It aims to see if exercising together affects the caregiver's burden as well as both the caregiver’s and patient’s physical and psychological health.

Participant Groups

Group I: Multimodal Exercise Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

12-week, twice weekly partner-based multimodal exercise program

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Lead Sponsor

Trials

302

Recruited

95,300+