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Combined Technology Enhanced Home Exercise Program and Other Non-pharmacological Intervention for Cancer Survivors

Effectiveness of the Combined Technology-enhanced Home Exercise Program and Other Non-pharmacological Interventions on Fatigue, Physical Function and Well-being Among Cancer Survivors

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03576274
Acronym
TEHEplus
Enrollment
110
Registered
2018-07-03
Start date
2019-10-10
Completion date
2024-09-15
Last updated
2025-10-10

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Acupressure, Cancer-related Problem/Condition, Exercise

Keywords

Cancer related fatigue, Exercise, biomarkers, Auricular Point Acupressure

Brief summary

A 12 weeks technology enhanced home exercise (TEHE) program using mobile technologies that provide immediate feedback and send reminder messages to improve exercise motivation is developed. Investigators combine this TEHE program with techniques including auricular point pressure (APA) and brief mindfulness body scan (MBI). This study will examine the feasibility of the TEHE program and combined programs, and ascertain the effect of TEHE program alone, the combined programs on fatigue and biological markers among cancer survivors. Main Research Variable(s): The independent variables are the 12-week program of TEHE alone, APA alone, combined APA and TEHE (TEHEplus) and combined MBI and TEHE (TEHE-MBI). Outcome variables are fatigue, physical activity, contributing factors of fatigue and biomarkers. Design: Repeated measures randomized controlled trial. Setting: Participants will be recruited through the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University. Sample: Participants diagnosed with non-metastatic solid tumor cancer; who had completed all primary cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy )within at least 3 months OR non-metastatic prostate cancer completed all primary cancer treatment and have hormone therapy for at least 6 month, OR participants diagnosed with solid tumor cancer; who are receiving immunotherapy for at least 3 months before enrollment, aged 21 years or older, experiencing fatigue in the past 7 days on average of ≥ 3/10, able to participate in a moderate-intensity exercise training program, self-report ability to complete the 6 min walk test with a perceived exertion of 3 or below, and can communicate in English. Methods: Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to the TEHE only, APA only or TEHEplus or TEHE-MBI or control group. All exercise groups (TEHE) will be offered a 12-week exercise program through an online communication. In additional to the TEHE, the TEHEplus group will receive an instruction on how to apply the pressure on the ear points through online meeting/communication. The TEHE-MBI group will perform 5 min mindfulness body scan daily. The control (usual care) group will report participant's fatigue level daily. At the end of week 12, participants will answer open-ended questions about participant's opinions on the programs. Fatigue will be assessed and blood will be drawn before and after the program.

Detailed description

Home-based exercise interventions have a significant effect on fatigue; however, motivation and intervention compliance are the main challenges. The use of personalized exercise and immediate feedback though smartphome communication has been found to increase motivation. We developed a 12 weeks technology enhanced home exercise (TEHE) program using mobile technologies that provide immediate feedback and sends reminder messages to improve exercise motivation. Moreover, to enhance the effectiveness of exercise, we combine this TEHE program with techniques--auricular point pressure and brief mindfulness body scan--, which have been found to affect fatigue and physical activities. The Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) and Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) may enhance the effect of exercise on fatigue; however, the feasibility and effectiveness of this combination have not been tested. This study will examine the feasibility of the TEHEplus program and ascertain the effect of TEHE program alone, APA alone, the TEHEplus program and the TEHE-MBI program on fatigue among cancer survivors and cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. In addition we will explore peripheral and central markers (e.g., Phosphorous levels) of cancer-related fatigue using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This study will also investigate whether specific types of fatigue (e.g., physical fatigue, cognitive fatigue) will have different levels of these peripheral and central energy markers). Conceptual Framework: The biopsychosocial model will be used. Main Research Variable(s): The independent variables are the 12-week program of TEHE alone, APA alone, combined APA and TEHE (TEHEplus) and combined MBI and TEHE (TEHE-MBI). Outcome variables are fatigue, physical activity, contributing factors of fatigue (depressive symptom, anxiety, sleep, relationship with others), and biomarkers. Design: Repeated measures randomized controlled trial design. Setting: Participants will be recruited through the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University. Sample: Participants diagnosed with non-metastatic solid tumor cancer; who had completed all primary cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy )within at least 3 months OR non-metastatic prostate cancer completed all primary cancer treatment and have hormone therapy for at least 6 month, OR participants diagnosed with solid tumor cancer; who are receiving immunotherapy for at least 3 months before enrollment, aged 21 years or older, experiencing fatigue in the past 7 days on average of ≥ 3/10, able to participate in a moderate-intensity exercise training program, self-report ability to complete the 6 min walk test with a perceived exertion of 3 or below, and can communicate in English. Methods: Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to the TEHE only, APA only, TEHEplus or TEHE-MBI or control (usual care) group. All exercise groups will be offered a 12-week exercise program. The program will based on personal exercise preference and physical activity goals to reach moderate intensity based on readings from a heart rate monitor and exertion level. Activity/steps will be monitored daily using the FitBit Charge. Reminders to exercise will be sent to the patient through a mobile phone application based on the participants' personal schedule and frequency. In additional to the TEHE, the APA only, and the TEHEplus group will receive an instruction on how to apply the pressure on the ear points through the online meeting and mobile application. The TEHE-MBI group will perform 5 min of mindfulness body daily. The control (usual care) group will report their fatigue level daily and attend weekly meetings with the researcher to discuss fatigue. At the end of week 12, in addition to the questionnaires, participants will answer open-ended questions about their opinions on the program. Fatigue will be assessed and blood will be drawn before and after the program. Participants who enrolled in the sub-study will be scheduled for a visit for an MRS before the exercise intervention. 2\. Objectives (include all primary and secondary objectives) Purpose/Specific Aims: The study primary aims are to (1) test the feasibility of a 12-week technology-enhanced home exercise (TEHE) program and combined technology-enhanced home exercise and Auricular Point Acupressure (TEHE plus) program among cancer survivors; (2) to determine the effect of the TEHE plus program on fatigue, physical activity and serum biomarkers (Heat Shock Protein 90 and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) compared to the control (usual care) group. The secondary aims are to (3) compare the effect of the TEHE only, TEHE plus, APA only, combined MBI and TEHE on fatigue and physical activity; and (4) determine the change in serum biomarkers at week 12 compared to baseline in the TEHE only, TEHE plus, APA only, MBI+TEHE, and control (usual care) groups (5) explore the associations of muscle and brain energetic markers using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with fatigue symptoms of cancer survivors.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALTechnology Enhanced Home Exercise (TEHE)

A 12 week program including one 60-minute goal setting and exercise training program and follow up phone calls.

A non invasive complementary method to provide pressure on the ear points.

BEHAVIORALMindfulness body scan (MBI)

The open, nonjudgmental attention to move one's attention calmly to the different part of the body

Sponsors

Johns Hopkins University
CollaboratorOTHER
Oncology Nursing Society
CollaboratorOTHER
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* diagnosed with non-metastatic solid tumor cancer; who had completed all primary cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy )within at least 3 months OR non-metastatic prostate cancer completed all primary cancer treatment and have hormone therapy for at least 6 month, OR participants diagnosed with solid tumor cancer; who are receiving immunotherapy for at least 3 months before enrollment * aged 21 years or older, experiencing fatigue in the past 7 days on average of ≥ 3/10 * able to participate in a moderate-intensity exercise training program (self-report ability to complete the 6 min walk test with a perceived exertion of 3 or below) * able to communicate in English.

Exclusion criteria

* diagnosed with comorbidities, such as cardiovascular, lung, kidney, liver, or thyroid diseases * have an active infection (e.g., fever, localized redness, swelling, sinus congestion) * diagnosed with a psychological disorder (e.g., suicidal or homicidal tendencies, extreme anxiety or depression)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Fatigue on the Patient-reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS-F) From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)Baseline and week 12 (post-intervention)Fatigue will be measured by the self-report questionnaire including 1) the PROMIS-F, self self-report measure that assesses fatigue over the past 7 days. Score range 8-40 with higher score indicating worse fatigue.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Right-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)Baseline and week 12 (post-intervention)Skeletal muscle strength was assessed by averaging the maximum force exerted across three trials for each hand using a hand-held dynamometer, with results recorded in pounds (lb).
Change in Left-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)Baseline and week 12 (Post-intervention)Skeletal muscle strength was assessed by averaging the maximum force exerted across three trials for each hand using a hand-held dynamometer, with results recorded in pounds (lb).
Change in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors Between Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)Between baseline and week 12 (post-intervention)Peripheral venous blood was collected in serum tubes for plasma BDNF analysis both before and after the intervention. Plasma level of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors measured in ug/ml
Change in Heat Shock Protein Level Measured in pg/ml From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)Baseline and week 12 (post-intervention)Plasma level of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) measured in ug/ml from baseline to Week 12 (post-intervention)

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Participants were recruited from Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospitals (Sibley Memorial, Bayview, and JHH) and via social media, co-investigator referrals, and JHU-ICTR MyChart messages. Flyers and bookmarks directed potential participants to a REDCap screening survey. Recruitment included clinical settings and online platforms. Participants were contacted by the PI or research staff.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise Only
Participants in TEHE group will receive a combined technology and home exercise program. Participants will schedule an online meeting with the research team for exercise goal setting and preference. Participants will receive a daily symptoms survey. They will receive, reminder, motivation message and physical performance feedback though the mobile phone application. Technology Enhanced Home Exercise (TEHE): A 12 week program including one 60-minute goal setting and exercise training program and follow up phone calls.
22
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise Plus
In additional to the TEHE program, participants will receive auricular point acupressure (APA) training on how to locate the ear points, place the seeds and apply the pressure on the seed. Participants will be instructed to press the tape and seeds covering each ear point for 3 minutes per time with a 2-second pause in between pressing, three times daily (morning, afternoon and evening: 9 minutes total). The tape and seeds will remain on ear points for 5 days. Participants will be instructed to remove both at the end of the 5th day. Technology Enhanced Home Exercise (TEHE): A 12 week program including one 60-minute goal setting and exercise training program and follow up phone calls. Auricular Point Acupressure (APA): A non invasive complementary method to provide pressure on the ear points.
23
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise-Mindfulness Intervention
In addition to the TEHE program, the TEHE+MBI group will receive a audio-recording of a mindfulness-based body scan. During the weekly study visit: Participants will be instructed to listen to the recorded mindfulness-based body scan in the morning and before bedtime. At home: Participants will be asked to listen to this audiotape daily in the morning and before bedtime. Technology Enhanced Home Exercise (TEHE): A 12 week program including one 60-minute goal setting and exercise training program and follow up phone calls. Mindfulness body scan (MBI): The open, nonjudgmental attention to move one's attention calmly to the different part of the body
21
Control (Usual Care)
The control group will receive instructions on how to use the physical activity tracker and mEMA application. Participants will be asked to meet with a research team member weekly to discuss their fatigue experience and receive general information about fatigue management.
22
Auricular Point Acupressure Only
Participants will receive auricular point acupressure (APA) training on how to locate the ear points, place the seeds and apply the pressure on the seed. Participants will be instructed to press the tape and seeds covering each ear point for 3 minutes per time with a 2-second pause in between pressing, three times daily (morning, afternoon and evening: 9 minutes total). The tape and seeds will remain on ear points for 5 days. Participants will be instructed to remove both at the end of the 5th day. Auricular Point Acupressure (APA): A non invasive complementary method to provide pressure on the ear points.
22
Total110

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002FG003FG004
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up32313
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject53286

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTechnology Enhanced Home Exercise PlusTotalAuricular Point Acupressure OnlyControl (Usual Care)Technology Enhanced Home Exercise OnlyTechnology Enhanced Home Exercise-Mindfulness Intervention
Age, Continuous61 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12
60 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12
58 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13
60 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13
59 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12
61 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12
Education
Bachelor's degree or higher
18 Participants81 Participants15 Participants11 Participants19 Participants18 Participants
Education
High school and below
1 Participants3 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Education
Not reported
0 Participants6 Participants2 Participants3 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Education
Some college/associate degree
4 Participants20 Participants5 Participants8 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants8 Participants2 Participants1 Participants2 Participants2 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
17 Participants86 Participants18 Participants19 Participants16 Participants16 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
5 Participants16 Participants2 Participants2 Participants4 Participants3 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants3 Participants1 Participants1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
2 Participants6 Participants1 Participants2 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants5 Participants1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
20 Participants95 Participants19 Participants18 Participants18 Participants20 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Sex
Female
9 Participants45 Participants8 Participants9 Participants9 Participants10 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Sex
Male
14 Participants64 Participants14 Participants13 Participants12 Participants11 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Sex
Not reported
0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants0 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
EG004
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 220 / 230 / 210 / 220 / 22
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 221 / 230 / 210 / 220 / 22
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 220 / 230 / 210 / 220 / 22

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Fatigue on the Patient-reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS-F) From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)

Fatigue will be measured by the self-report questionnaire including 1) the PROMIS-F, self self-report measure that assesses fatigue over the past 7 days. Score range 8-40 with higher score indicating worse fatigue.

Time frame: Baseline and week 12 (post-intervention)

Population: Participants with data collected at both baseline and post-intervention are reported.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise OnlyChange in Fatigue on the Patient-reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS-F) From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-3.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise PlusChange in Fatigue on the Patient-reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS-F) From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-7.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.8
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise-Mindfulness InterventionChange in Fatigue on the Patient-reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS-F) From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-5.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.3
Control (Usual Care)Change in Fatigue on the Patient-reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS-F) From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-3.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.2
Auricular Point Acupressure OnlyChange in Fatigue on the Patient-reported Outcomes Measure Information System (PROMIS-F) From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-3.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.3
Secondary

Change in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors Between Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)

Peripheral venous blood was collected in serum tubes for plasma BDNF analysis both before and after the intervention. Plasma level of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors measured in ug/ml

Time frame: Between baseline and week 12 (post-intervention)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise OnlyChange in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors Between Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-4945.7 ug/mlStandard Deviation 8777.9
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise PlusChange in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors Between Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-3971.3 ug/mlStandard Deviation 9551.5
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise-Mindfulness InterventionChange in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors Between Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-106.5 ug/mlStandard Deviation 1078.8
Control (Usual Care)Change in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors Between Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-2013.3 ug/mlStandard Deviation 5807
Auricular Point Acupressure OnlyChange in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factors Between Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-2912.8 ug/mlStandard Deviation 13780
Secondary

Change in Heat Shock Protein Level Measured in pg/ml From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)

Plasma level of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) measured in ug/ml from baseline to Week 12 (post-intervention)

Time frame: Baseline and week 12 (post-intervention)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise OnlyChange in Heat Shock Protein Level Measured in pg/ml From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-325.6 ug/mlStandard Deviation 860.9
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise PlusChange in Heat Shock Protein Level Measured in pg/ml From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-106.5 ug/mlStandard Deviation 1078.8
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise-Mindfulness InterventionChange in Heat Shock Protein Level Measured in pg/ml From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)3.39 ug/mlStandard Deviation 859.1
Control (Usual Care)Change in Heat Shock Protein Level Measured in pg/ml From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-297.0 ug/mlStandard Deviation 753.1
Auricular Point Acupressure OnlyChange in Heat Shock Protein Level Measured in pg/ml From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-396.7 ug/mlStandard Deviation 1465.3
Secondary

Change in Left-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)

Skeletal muscle strength was assessed by averaging the maximum force exerted across three trials for each hand using a hand-held dynamometer, with results recorded in pounds (lb).

Time frame: Baseline and week 12 (Post-intervention)

Population: Participants with data collected at both baseline and post-intervention are reported.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise OnlyChange in Left-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)4.4 pounds (lb)Standard Deviation 17.6
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise PlusChange in Left-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-0.7 pounds (lb)Standard Deviation 12
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise-Mindfulness InterventionChange in Left-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)3.0 pounds (lb)Standard Deviation 1.3
Control (Usual Care)Change in Left-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-2.4 pounds (lb)Standard Deviation 11.6
Auricular Point Acupressure OnlyChange in Left-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)19.8 pounds (lb)Standard Deviation 45.7
Secondary

Change in Right-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)

Skeletal muscle strength was assessed by averaging the maximum force exerted across three trials for each hand using a hand-held dynamometer, with results recorded in pounds (lb).

Time frame: Baseline and week 12 (post-intervention)

Population: Participants with data collected at both baseline and post-intervention are reported.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise OnlyChange in Right-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)9.9 pounds (lb)Standard Error 33.2
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise PlusChange in Right-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-2.5 pounds (lb)Standard Error 10.2
Technology Enhanced Home Exercise-Mindfulness InterventionChange in Right-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)2.8 pounds (lb)Standard Error 2.1
Control (Usual Care)Change in Right-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-3.1 pounds (lb)Standard Error 6.6
Auricular Point Acupressure OnlyChange in Right-hand Skeletal Muscle Strength, Measured Using a Hand-held Dynamometer, From Baseline to Week 12 (Post-intervention)-0.4 pounds (lb)Standard Error 3.6

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026