Behaviour Change for Cancer Survivors Trial

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Behavioural Counselling: The PA+BC group will receive a behavioural counselling support session with a QEP every two weeks during the intervention period (12 total). Of the 12 video-conferencing calls, one session will target reflective processes (instrumental/affective attitudes), five sessions will target behavioural regulation (action planning, coping planning, social support, goal setting), and four sessions will target reflexive processing (self-regulation, habit). The remaining two sessions are "booster sessions" to revisit topics discussed. The importance of sustaining PA for clinical outcomes (e.g., fatigue) and PA logs will be stressed. At the end of the 6-month program, an individualized PA prescription will be provided based on their fitness level (adjusted throughout) to continue achieving the PA goal for the 6-month post intervention and 1-year post intervention follow-up.

Exercise Counselling: The PA+EC group will receive the same frequency of group-based and 1:1 counseling support sessions via Zoom as PA+BC participants. However, the focus will be on exercise training principles for proper PA technique, how to monitor intensity, and progress PA safely to achieve the PA guidelines.

Study summary

This study will be a two-arm RCT, to examine the effects of an entirely virtual, 6-month supervised PA program plus standard exercise counselling (PA+EC) versus a supervised PA plus motivationally-enhanced behavioral counselling (PA+BC) on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in cancer survivors. A 6-month post intervention follow-up (T2) and 1-year post intervention follow-up (T3; 1-year follow-up from post-intervention) will take place after the intervention to address maintenance. The intervention is designed using evidence-based research in the fields of exercise oncology using effective clinical design and theoretical approaches, including behaviour change techniques, to gradually increase MVPA to at least 90 minutes per week in cancer survivors as per the exercise guidelines for cancer survivors.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity — T0 (Baseline), T1 (Mid-Point), T2 (Post-Intervention 6-Months), T3 (6-Month Follow Up After Intervention), T4 (1-Year Follow Up After Intervention)
  Changes in MVPA will be assessed by accelerometry (ActiGraph Inc., Pensacola, FL.; model GT3X +). Participants will be mailed an accelerometer to wear on their right hip, fastened to a belt worn around the waist. The accelerometer will be worn during waking hours for 7 days, except when bathing or swimming.

Trial sites (1)

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