Physical Activity in Cancer Patients in an Oncology Day Clinic - Implementing a Person-centered Program Led by Nurses

NCT06999616 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: OnkoMoveNurse-proof of concept
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background: Physical activity has demonstrated benefits in alleviating side effects and improving well-being in people with cancer. However, activity levels remain low during systemic treatment. Nurses are optimally positioned to lead interventions fostering an activity-friendly culture. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of the nurse-led, interprofessionally developed physical activity concept OncoMoveNurse in an outpatient oncology setting. Methods: Using a mixed-methods design over 15 months (10/2024-12/2025), the study includes implementation and evaluation phases. Quantitative data (n=50 patients, collected from 06/2025-09/2025) will assess primary (physical activity behavior) and secondary outcomes (self-efficacy, well-being, mood) via validated PROMs. Qualitative insights will be gathered through digital storytelling (n=2 patients, n=2 nurses) and one focus group (n=8 interprofessional team members). Inclusion criteria for patients include age ≥18, cancer diagnosis, at least three treatments in the day clinic, and sufficient German language skills. Intervention: OncoMoveNurse comprises five adaptable components: modular activity structure, safety framework, communication strategy, a team approach, and person-centered orientation. Supporting materials (e.g., posters, videos, exercise tools) and tailored implementation strategies were co-developed in alignment with core values. Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS (paired t-tests, p\<.05); qualitative data via content analysis in MAXQDA. A mixed-methods synthesis will integrate findings. Ethics \& Data Protection: Patient data collection will commence following ethics approval. All data are anonymized, stored securely, and handled in accordance with Swiss data protection laws. Conclusion: This study will provide insights into the feasibility of nurse-led physical activity promotion in outpatient oncology and inform future outcome evaluations.

Conditions

Neoplasms; Motor Activity; Chemotherapy; Antitumor Drugs; Activity Level

Keywords

activity promotions; proof-of-concept; implementation; activity concept; excercise; cancer patient; physical activity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• physical activity behaviour

  Physical activity behavior will be assessed using the "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Assessment Questionnaire" (BSA). The BSA consists of 16 items that capture the duration of physical activity in minutes per day across different intensity levels (light, moderate, vigorous), as well as daily sedentary time. Responses are aggregated and converted into minutes per week. The questionnaire demonstrates good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.82 to 0.89, and test-retest reliability of r = 0.76. Construct validity has been confirmed through correlations with accelerometer data (r = 0.68), and discriminant validity has been demonstrated by significant differences between active and inactive groups.

  from enrollment to the end of treatment or three months after enrollment whichever timepoint comes first

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Self-efficacy for physical activity

  from enrollment to the end of treatment or three months after enrollment whichever timepoint comes first

• health-related quality of life

  from enrollment to the end of treatment or three months after enrollment whichever timepoint comes first

Study Arms (1)

patients with cancer in oncology day clinic

patients who receive activity promoting during care at oncology day clinic

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

cancer patients who are treated at oncology day clinic

You may qualify if:

• diagnosis of cancer,
• at least three treatments at the oncology outpatient clinic in Münsterlingen during the study period,
• aged ≥18 years, and
• sufficient knowledge of German.

You may not qualify if:

• pregnancy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• St.Gallen University of Applied Sciences: lead
• Kantonsspital Münsterlingen: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Spital Thurgau AG Münsterlingen

Münsterlingen, Switzerland

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neoplasms; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Officials

• Antje Koller, PhD

  Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Antje Koller, PhD

CONTACT

+41 58 257 12 13; antje.koller@ost.ch

Ramona Engst

CONTACT

ramona.engst@ost.ch

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 22, 2025
• First Posted: May 31, 2025
• Study Start: August 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2026
• Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL
• Time Frame: after study has been finished
• Access Criteria: researchers may contact PI for more information

Locations

CH (1)