Virtual Peer-support Exercise Intervention for Older Adults with Cancer
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Virtual Peer-support Exercise Intervention for Older Adults with Cancer
1 other identifier
interventional
18
1 country
1
Brief Summary
Background: By 2030, 23% of Canadians will be over 65 years of age. Two in five of these individuals will be diagnosed with cancer. Older adults have high levels of functional decline, and a cancer diagnosis adds prolonged physical sequelae to the natural aging process. Many of these effects can be mitigated by regular exercise. However, older adult cancer survivors are significantly less likely to meet current exercise guidelines than their younger counterparts. As our population ages, we need to develop effective, scalable interventions that support health in older adult cancer survivors. The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a virtually delivered peer exercise intervention with qualified exercise professional (QEP) support for older adult cancer survivors. Methods: Participants will include older adult cancer survivors who are cleared for exercise, have consistent access to the internet, and currently take part in less than 150 minutes of exercise per week. All participants will be matched with a partner, given a peer support guide, and information on current exercise guidelines. In addition to being matched with a peer, dyads in the intervention group will have weekly virtual sessions with a QEP for 10 weeks. Participants in the control group will independently support their partner around exercise for 10 weeks. Outcomes: Participants will be assessed at 3 time points. The primary outcome is feasibility. This will be measured by assessing recruitment, retention, adherence rates to the intervention, and participant acceptability and satisfaction. Secondary effectiveness outcomes include exercise volume, social support, quality of life, physical function, and physical activity enjoyment. Impact: If effective, this will be the first virtual peer-based exercise intervention for older adult cancer survivors. Findings will inform future methods aimed at increasing exercise in older adults.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at below P25 for not_applicable cancer
Started Dec 2022
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
August 23, 2022
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
September 22, 2022
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
December 1, 2022
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
October 15, 2024
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
October 15, 2024
CompletedFebruary 21, 2025
January 1, 2025
1.9 years
August 23, 2022
February 20, 2025
Conditions
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (4)
Recruitment rate
The percentage of eligible individuals who expressed interest in the study that enrolled
10 weeks
Retention rate
The percentage of enrolled participants who completed the intervention
10 weeks
Adherence rate
The percentage of total sessions attended and tracked using weekly logs
10 weeks
Participant Satisfaction
7 points Likert satisfaction scale
10 weeks
Secondary Outcomes (16)
Exercise volume
10 weeks
Exercise volume
14 weeks
Exercise volume
10 weeks
Exercise volume
14 weeks
Social support
10 weeks
- +11 more secondary outcomes
Study Arms (2)
Intervention Group (AgeMatchPLUS).
EXPERIMENTALControl Condition (AgeMatch):
ACTIVE COMPARATORInterventions
Participants will be matched with a peer based on evidence informed criteria. Partners will independently communicate and support each other around exercise for the duration of the study.
Dyads will participate in weekly virtual sessions with a QEP for 10 weeks. Each session will last up to 1 hour. The QEP (i.e., registered kinesiologist) will provide a tailored exercise program, focusing on aerobic activity for both individuals in the dyad based on personal circumstances, cancer-related characteristics, side effects, current fitness level (consistent with home-based exercise strategies), and personal preferences.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- English speaking
- Older adult (\>60 years)
- Living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis (any type or stage of cancer at any stage of treatment)
- Living in Canada
- Medically cleared for exercise
- Have consistent access to an internet-connected device with webcam
- Currently take part in less than 150 minutes of MVPA per week
You may not qualify if:
- Self-report any contraindications to exercise
- Had recent (in the last 4 weeks) or have planned surgery of any kind (including reconstructive surgery) in the next 3 months.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, L8S1C7, Canada
Related Publications (1)
Smith-Turchyn J, Sinclair S, O'Loughlin EK, Innes A, Vani MF, Beauchamp M, Phillips SM, Richardson J, Thabane L, Sabiston CM. A pilot randomized controlled trial of a virtual peer-support exercise intervention for female older adults with cancer. BMC Geriatr. 2024 Oct 26;24(1):887. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-05495-z.
PMID: 39462335DERIVED
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- DOUBLE
- Who Masked
- INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
- Purpose
- SUPPORTIVE CARE
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
August 23, 2022
First Posted
September 22, 2022
Study Start
December 1, 2022
Primary Completion
October 15, 2024
Study Completion
October 15, 2024
Last Updated
February 21, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-01
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share