Physical Activity Program Choices for Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Reem Najjar, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Disqualifiers: No cancer diagnosis, Under 18, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

114 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Cardiovascular disease, the number one leading cause of death in the United States, is highly prevalent in cancer survivors. Physical activity can reduce risk, and referrals to programs addressing survivors' choices are highly recommended from providers in cancer survivorship, though rarely implemented. The study team proposes to develop ActivityChoice, a clinic-based implementation program, using patient narrative decision aids to support choices to a group in-person, group virtual, or self-monitored digital health physical activity program.

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 seems focused on physical activity programs for cancer survivors, so it's best to consult with the study team or your healthcare provider for guidance.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Enhanced Referral, Standard Referral for cancer survivors?

Research shows that physical activity, recommended by healthcare providers, can help cancer survivors improve their physical and psychological health. Tailoring exercise programs to the preferences of cancer survivors may increase their participation and adherence, leading to these benefits. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is physical activity safe for cancer survivors?

Physical activity is generally safe for cancer survivors and provides numerous health benefits, as supported by various studies and reviews. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

How does the Enhanced Referral treatment for cancer survivors differ from other treatments?

The Enhanced Referral treatment for cancer survivors is unique because it uses an electronic referral system to connect patients with physical activity programs of their choice, which is tailored to their preferences. This approach aims to increase participation and adherence to exercise, offering both in-person and virtual options, and is supported by clinician training and reminders. ^{3 4 5 7 8}

Research Team

Jamie M Faro, PhD

Principal Investigator

UMass Chan Medical School

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for cancer survivors who are at least 18 years old, speak English, and have a history of cardiovascular disease or lead a sedentary lifestyle. It's designed to help them become more active through different types of physical activity programs.

Inclusion Criteria

Provide written informed consent

I have seen a doctor participating in the study during the study period.

I am receiving cancer treatment at one of the four UMass cancer clinics.

Exclusion Criteria

Not in positions of leadership within the UMass Medical Cancer Clinic Administration

I am not a cancer patient at any of the four UMass cancer clinics.

Participated in Aim 1a

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Referral and Program Enrollment

Participants are referred to physical activity programs and enrolled based on their choice of group in-person, group virtual, or self-monitored digital health program

Baseline

Program Implementation

Participants engage in their chosen physical activity program with monitoring via Fitbit and decision aids

6 months

Regular monitoring through digital means

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, quality of life, and other health metrics

3-6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Enhanced Referral
• Standard Referral

Trial Overview ActivityChoice is testing how well two referral methods work to get cancer survivors into physical activity programs. One method gives patients extra support in choosing an activity program, while the other offers standard advice.

Participant Groups

Group I: Enhanced Referral Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Provider education/training on referral process Patient education material on physical activity benefits Patient decision aid on physical activity program choices Electronic referral to program of patient's choice Fitbit Activity Monitor

Group II: Standard Referral Active Control 1 Intervention

Provider education/training on referral process Patient education material on physical activity benefits Paper referral to LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Fitbit Activity Monitor

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Lead Sponsor

Trials

372

Recruited

998,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials

2,896

Recruited

8,053,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Findings from Research

Health care provider-delivered physical activity interventions can potentially increase physical activity behavior among cancer survivors, with nine out of eleven studies showing positive results favoring the intervention group.

However, the effectiveness of these interventions may vary and could be enhanced by incorporating additional behavior change techniques, highlighting the need for further research to better understand their impact.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review summarizing the effect of health care provider-delivered physical activity interventions on physical activity behaviour in cancer survivors. Brunet, J., Wurz, A., Nader, PA., et al.[2021]

Adding behavioral counseling to a 4-week supervised physical activity program for kidney cancer survivors showed feasibility and a potential increase in physical activity levels, although the increase was not statistically significant.

Participants receiving behavioral counseling improved their 6-minute walk distance significantly more than those receiving standard exercise counseling, suggesting that behavioral strategies may enhance fitness outcomes in cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of adding behavioral counseling to supervised physical activity in kidney cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Trinh, L., Plotnikoff, RC., Rhodes, RE., et al.[2014]

Cancer survivors show a strong interest in participating in physical activity (PA) programs, particularly preferring walking as their main exercise modality and moderate intensity activities.

Tailoring PA programs to be home-based and scheduled in the morning can enhance participation and adherence among cancer survivors, highlighting the need for diverse program options to meet varying preferences.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity programming and counseling preferences among cancer survivors: a systematic review. Wong, JN., McAuley, E., Trinh, L.[2023]

Physical activity has been shown to significantly improve both patient-reported outcomes and physiological health in cancer survivors during and after treatment, highlighting its importance in recovery.

The review discusses ongoing phase III trials that are investigating the impact of physical activity on clinical disease endpoints, suggesting a strong focus on integrating exercise into cancer care to enhance patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Putting Exercise Into Oncology Practice: State-of-the-Science, Innovation, and Future Directions. Brown, JC., Ligibel, JA.[2023]

References

1. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review summarizing the effect of health care provider-delivered physical activity interventions on physical activity behaviour in cancer survivors. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of adding behavioral counseling to supervised physical activity in kidney cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. [2014]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity programming and counseling preferences among cancer survivors: a systematic review. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of health care provider physical activity recommendations in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. [2018]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Putting Exercise Into Oncology Practice: State-of-the-Science, Innovation, and Future Directions. [2023]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity during and after adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. [2013]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and pilot testing of a clinic implementation program delivering physical activity electronic referrals to cancer survivors. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrating Physical Activity Into Clinical Cancer Care. [2023]