Testing PAfitME Personalized Physical Activity with Motion Exergames to Reduce Fatigue and Pain After Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a personalized physical activity program using motion exergames to help head and neck cancer patients manage fatigue and musculoskeletal pain during the first 6 months after their treatment. The study aims to compare this intervention, called PAfitME, to an attention control group receiving survivorship education and exergame equipment. The goals include measuring effects on fatigue, pain, functional status, and quality of life while exploring factors like physical activity self-efficacy and enjoyment that might influence results. The PAfitME intervention lasts 6 weeks and includes weekly sessions starting with an in-home setup, followed by FaceTime coaching calls and additional home visits. Participants receive personalized exergame prescriptions using platforms such as Wii Fit and Xbox Kinect, with progress adjustments during the program. The control group also receives exergame equipment and education from the National Cancer Institute but without the personalized coaching. Participants are monitored at the start and end of the 6-week period through patient-reported fatigue and pain scales, functional status tests including walk and grip strength tests, range of motion measurements, and quality of life questionnaires. The study involves 150 post-treatment head and neck cancer patients and uses statistical models to analyze outcomes. The total participation time is 6 weeks, with interventions delivered mainly at home and via telehealth.

A Motion Exergaming Approach for Symptom Management: HNC