None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to explore the pitfalls and showcase best practices of using telehealth to provide exercise to cancer patients, and explore whether results are comparable to face-to-face delivery of exercise. Who is it for? You may be eligible for this study if you are an adult who has been diagnosed with cancer. Study details Participants in this study will randomly receive one of two treatments: 1. An 8-week exercise program, where participants will join an online Zoom group teleconference and complete exercises as prescribed by the study team. 2. Physical and online copies of the current Australian Guidelines for Physical Activity. It is hoped that this research will help to determine whether the use of telehealth is beneficial to cancer patients and whether it is a useful alternative option to face-to-face exercise therapy. Note: this brief summary is intended for lay audience.
Interventions
A two-arm (1:1) randomised control trial will compare an eight week online supervised exercise program to usual care in patients undergoing active cancer treatment. Telehealth delivery will involve an online exercise intervention in a group setting via the online platform Zoom.
Arm 1: Telehealth Exercise Intervention
- Delivery of intervention by two ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) with a minimum of 1 years experience in delivering exercise to cancer patients within a specialist
A two-arm (1:1) randomised control trial will compare an eight week online supervised exercise program to usual care in patients undergoing active cancer treatment. Telehealth delivery will involve an online exercise intervention in a group setting via the online platform Zoom. Arm 1: Telehealth Exercise Intervention - Delivery of intervention by two ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) with a minimum of 1 years experience in delivering exercise to cancer patients within a specialist oncology centre. The AEPs involved will also have had additional training and experience in delivering online supervised exercise. - Group exercise sessions will occur via Zoom, with each participant in their own living residence. Group sessions will be capped at 8 participants per session and supervised by an ESSA AEP. - The intervention will be delivered 1hr 1 x week for 8 weeks. - Each exercise program will be individually tailored to suit each participants needs, determined by an initial assessment prior to the intervention which will be conducted by an ESSA AEP. - Symptoms will be monitored pre/post exercise sessions using a symptom assessment scale via an online survey platform. - Participants will be provided with an electronic and hard copy safety booklet outlining best practice for measuring blood pressure (BP), temperature and if diabetic, blood glucose levels (BGLs). In addition, this booklet covers information regarding when not to exercise, and what to do if experiencing an abnormal exercise response. The booklet has been designed specifically for this study, and was designed by a team of Accredited Exercise Physiologists which experience working in exercise oncology. - Exercise programs will be developed according to the equipment each participant has in their own home; no specific exercise equipment will be required. Arm 2: Standard Care (control group) - Provision of current Australian physical activity guidelines. Given the variability in treatment types and tolerance in people diagnosed with cancer, a specific breakdown of sessions cannot be provided as individualised programs will vary in intensity, mode. Participants will complete the individualised programs DURING the Zoom group sessions. A modified Borg RPE and/or dyspnoea scale may be utilised for some individuals however this will depend on their history, current medical status and additional comorbidities. Adherence to the intervention will be monitored via a session attendance checklist to mark off attendees which will be completed by the supervising AEP.
Sponsors
University of Canberra
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
- Age equal to or more than 18 years. - Current diagnosis of cancer (confirmed by pathological or radiological diagnosis). - Self-assessed written and verbal English proficiency. - Ability to provide informed consent. - Written medical clearance from primary care physician or oncologist to participate in online individually prescribed exercise. - Ownership of a smartphone, computer, laptop or tablet to access Zoom platform. - Ownership of an automatic blood pressure monitor, digital thermometer and if diabetic, a blood glucose monitor.
Exclusion criteria
- No recent myocardial infarction or other acute cardiac events within the last 2 days. - No unstable angina. - No uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, causing symptoms or hemodynamic compromise. - No active endocarditis. - No acute myocarditis or pericarditis. - No symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. - No decompensated heart failure. - No acute pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction or deep venous thrombosis. - No acute aortic dissection. - No physical disability which precludes safe and adequate exercise testing or participation. - No known blood counts below normal levels (white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobin). - No unusual chest pain, dizziness, blurred vision, loss of consciousness or shortness of breath.
Outcome results
None listed