Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID06624930

A Randomized Controlled Trial Adding Behavioural Counselling to Supervised Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors

Led by University of Toronto · Updated on 2025-09-29

236

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

52 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

Sponsors

U

University of Toronto

Lead Sponsor

T

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

Collaborating Sponsor

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how to improve physical activity in cancer survivors by comparing two different virtual 6-month supervised exercise programs. The study focuses on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and aims to understand how adding motivational behavioral counseling affects exercise levels compared to standard exercise counseling. This trial addresses the challenge that many cancer survivors face long-term side effects and low physical activity levels, which impact their quality of life and health outcomes. The study has two groups: one group receives an individualized home-based aerobic and resistance exercise program combined with motivationally enhanced behavioral counseling every two weeks, while the other group receives the same exercise program with standard exercise counseling delivered weekly via Zoom. Both groups receive support through video calls, and their exercise prescriptions are adjusted based on fitness levels. After the 6-month program, participants receive tailored plans to maintain physical activity during follow-ups. Participants will be involved in virtual supervised exercise sessions and counseling, with assessments at baseline, mid-point, post-intervention, and follow-ups at 6 months and 1 year after intervention. Researchers will measure physical activity levels, fitness tests like the 6-minute walk and chair stand tests, self-reported activity, quality of life, fatigue, and behavioral processes related to exercise maintenance. Data on health service use and productivity will also be collected. The study includes thorough monitoring to understand long-term adherence to physical activity in cancer survivors.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Behaviour Change for Cancer Survivors Trial

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Confirmed diagnosis of localized cancer (Stages I to III)
  • Completed primary cancer treatment within the last 5 years
  • At least 12 weeks after surgery
  • At least 6 weeks after radiation treatment
  • Proficient in English
  • Physically inactive with less than 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week
  • Able to walk daily with minimal gait aid use
  • Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with webcam for videoconferencing and Bluetooth
  • Access to the internet
  • No cardiac contraindications such as unstable angina or heart failure
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Medical conditions that prohibit physical activity, such as joint restrictions or weight-bearing precautions
  • Uncontrolled comorbidities or cardiovascular issues increasing exercise risk, including severe arthritis or recent falls in the last 6-12 months
  • Presence of advanced cancer (Stage IV; metastatic)
  • Pregnancy
  • Intention to live outside Canada for the next 18 months

AI-Screening

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Treatment

Duration - 6 months

Participants receive a 6-month home-based physical activity program with either behavioural counselling or exercise counselling support delivered via video conferencing.

Biweekly behavioural counselling sessions or weekly exercise counselling sessions via Zoom

Follow-up

Duration - 12 months

Participants continue to follow an individualized physical activity prescription and are monitored for physical activity maintenance and health outcomes.

Assessments at 6 months and 12 months post-intervention

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

Exercise Oncology Lab - University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2W6

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

L

Linda Trinh, PhD

E

Emma V Tung, MSc

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

DOUBLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

2

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Published Research Related To This Trial

American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable Report on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Cancer Prevention and Control.

Alpa V Patel, Christine M Friedenreich, Steven C Moore...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31626056

Exercise improves quality of life in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Jasper K W Gerritsen, Arnaud J P E Vincent

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26719503

Changes in physical activity and associations with quality of life among a global sample of cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allyson Tabaczynski, Denise Bastas, Alexis Whitehorn...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35079964

Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable.

Kristin L Campbell, Kerri M Winters-Stone, Joachim Wiskemann...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31626055

Delivering Virtual Cancer Rehabilitation Programming During the First 90 Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multimethod Study.

Christian J Lopez, Beth Edwards, David M Langelier...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617864