Home-Based Physical Activity for Bladder Cancer

(EMPOWER Trial)

SP
Overseen BySarah Psutka, MD, MSc
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Washington
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a home-based exercise program using a digital app can increase physical activity in people with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The study compares this approach to receiving only health education. Participants in one group will use the ExerciseRx app to track their steps and receive exercise plans, while the other group will receive educational materials. People with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who are not very active and have a smartphone might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods to enhance physical activity and overall health.

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

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on physical activity, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that this home-based physical activity program with a digital app is safe for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer?

Research has shown that home-based exercise programs using digital apps are generally safe for cancer patients. Participants have responded well to these programs in studies. For example, the CHOiCE trial tested a personalized exercise program and found it safe and feasible for cancer patients.

The ExerciseRx app, part of this trial, encourages patients to become more active by setting step goals and providing motivational feedback. This digital tool is designed to be user-friendly and supportive, aiming to improve health without causing harm.

Although the current trial phase doesn't specifically focus on safety, similar programs have demonstrated safety. Participants typically do not experience any serious side effects, making this a low-risk option for those considering participation.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the potential benefits of a home-based physical activity program for bladder cancer patients, using a digital app to guide and monitor exercise. Unlike traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, this approach focuses on enhancing patients' quality of life through exercise, which can be conveniently done at home. The program stands out due to its use of the ExerciseRx app, which provides personalized exercise sessions and integrates with a FitBit® to track progress, encouraging patients to stay active and engaged in their health journey. This method not only aims to improve physical well-being but also empowers patients with tools to manage their own health in a supportive and accessible manner.

What evidence suggests that this home-based physical activity program with a digital app is effective for improving physical activity in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer?

Research has shown that home-based exercise programs benefit cancer survivors. One study found that a 12-month home exercise program helped survivors reduce waist size and improve body shape. Exercise programs conducted at home or in the community have also improved physical abilities and health outcomes for cancer survivors. These programs are often affordable and easy to integrate into daily life. In this trial, participants in the Physical Activity Program (PAP) intervention group will use the ExerciseRx app, designed to increase physical activity with personalized goals and motivation. This approach may lead to better results for individuals with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Meanwhile, participants in the Health Education Group (HEG) will receive recommendations to maintain their usual physical activity and educational materials.12467

Who Is on the Research Team?

SP

Sarah Psutka, MD, MSc

Principal Investigator

Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who are not very active. It's to see if a home-based exercise program using an app can improve their physical activity compared to just getting health education.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.
I have had bladder cancer that was not muscle-invasive and am currently under surveillance or receiving maintenance therapy.
Classified as insufficiently active on the Physical Activity as a Vital Sign (PAVS) assessment
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Not receiving treatment at University of Washington (UW)
Inability to read or understand English
Lack of access or lack of sufficient facility to use an Android or iOS smart device with the minimum criteria to run the ExerciseRx app
See 7 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete home exercise sessions via the ExerciseRx app for 12 weeks, with personalized daily step count goals

12 weeks
4 times per week (home-based)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks
Follow-up assessment at 4 weeks post-intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Home-Based Physical Activity Program with Digital App

Trial Overview

The study tests a digital app called ExerciseRx, designed to increase physical activity through personalized step count goals and motivational feedback, against standard health education for inactive bladder cancer patients.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Group II: Physical Activity Program (PAP) interventionExperimental Treatment7 Interventions
Group II: Group I: Health Education Group (HEG)Active Control7 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Washington

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,858
Recruited
2,023,000+

Andy Hill CARE Fund

Collaborator

Citations

Home-Based Physical Activity Program With Digital App ...

A home-based PAP using the ExerciseRx app may work better in increasing physical activity among patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer ...

The “Get Moving Trial”: A phase I/II RCT of home-based (P) ...

Here, we describe a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and impact of a pragmatic (P)REHAB exercise intervention ...

Home-Based Exercise for Bladder Cancer

A 12-month home-based exercise program for 33 cancer survivors led to significant reductions in waist circumference and improvements in body composition and ...

A Home-based Lifestyle Intervention for Optimizing ...

Indeed, community and home-based lifestyle interventions improve physical functioning and clinical outcomes among cancer survivors and are cost-effective.25 ...

a digital physical activity intervention in cancer survivors

Twelve months of access to a website designed to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in cancer survivors did not improve overall physical health.

Home-Based Physical Activity Program With Digital App ...

A home-based PAP using the ExerciseRx app may work better in increasing physical activity among patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer ...

A Smartphone App (WExercise) to Promote Physical ...

WExercise demonstrated a significant effect on increasing self-reported PA, but this was not corroborated with ActiGraph-measured PA. The ...