Only a few clinical trials evaluating the potential benefits of exercise have been conducted in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer and, no prior studies have evaluated the potential effects of 'cybercycling' (exergaming on a stationary bike) in AYA cancer survivors. Therefore, the study aims to conduct a pilot trial to determine feasibility (adherence, user acceptance) and to explore potential effects of a 'cybercycling' exercise program on fitness, body composition, quality of life, sleep and cognition.
Objectives Specific Aim 1: To evaluate the feasibility (adherence; user acceptance: exercise tolerance, enjoyment and motivation) of performing an adaptive, moderate intensity, aerobic exercise program on a 'cybercycle' compared to control (stretching/resistance bands) in adolescent and young adults (AYA) with cancer. (Exploratory) Aim 2: To explore the effects of an adaptive, moderate intensity aerobic exercise program using a 'cybercycle' compared to control (stretching/resistance bands) on changes in fitness, body composition, quality of life (QoL), fatigue, sleep and cognition. Study Design/Overview: This study is a randomized trial in 20 adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (15-30 years old) which will comparing two intervention arms: 1) aerobic exercise on a 'cybercycle' (stationary cycling with exergaming/videogaming); and, 2) a stretching/resistance band 'control' condition.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
9
All exercise training will be performed under the supervision of a qualified exercise trainer certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Participants in the exercise groups will be asked to perform aerobic exercise on a stationary bike ('cybercycle') 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Exercise intensity and duration will be based on a progressive program and adapted, as needed, based on the participants' tolerability. Heart rate will be monitored throughout the exercise session and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) monitored at least every 10 minutes. The target heart rate (THR) zone will be determined using the Karvonen formula.
Participants randomized to the control condition will receive a progressive resistance training program with TheraBands™ and a stretching program to complete at home 2 days/week for 12 weeks. The resistance band program will include upper body and lower body exercises. Participants will be provided with two different colored resistance bands (lighter colored - easier resistance; darker colored - harder resistance). Participants will start by completing 1-2 sets, 2 days/week with the easier/lighter band for the first 4 weeks, progress to 2-3 sets, 2 days/week with the easier band for the next 4 weeks; and, then, progress to 1-2 sets with the darker/harder band for the last 4 weeks. In addition, all participants in the 'control' condition will be advised to conduct upper body and lower body stretches 2 days/week. All resistance band exercises and stretches will be demonstrated to the participant by the exercise physiologist before the 12 week program begins.
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Proportion of Patient Adherence as recorded by attendance log
Adherence rates will be summarized separately by treatment arm with proportions and exact confidence intervals. Feasibility will be defined as an adherence of greater than or equal to 80%
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median change of peak pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2Peak)
A linear mixed model will also be fit to the measures of VO2peak (baseline, EOP)
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median Tolerance of Exercise Intensity as measured by the Preference for and Tolerance of Exercise Intensity Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q) score
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PAES) score
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median Flow State Scale (FSS) Score
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median Exercise Motivations (EMI) Score
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median total duration of each session
This is a measure of adherence
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median time in total heart rate zone (THZ)
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median workload of participants while exercising
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Participants randomized to the control condition will receive a progressive resistance training program with TheraBands™ and a stretching program to complete at home 2 days/week for 12 weeks. The resistance band program will include upper body and lower body exercises and will be provided with two different colored resistance bands (one lighter colored for easier resistance; one darker colored for a harder resistance). Participants will start by completing 1-2 sets, 2 days/week with the easier/lighter band for the first 4 weeks, progress to 2-3 sets, 2 days/week with the easier band for the next 4 weeks; and, then, progress to 1-2 sets with the darker/harder band for the last 4 weeks. In addition, all participants in the 'control' condition will be advised to conduct upper body and lower body stretches 2 days/week. All resistance band exercises and stretches will be demonstrated to the participants by the exercise physiologist before the 12 week program begins.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program
Median speed in rpm of participants while exercising
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks after beginning program