RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

IMPLEMENT - Model Project for Quality-assured Exercise Therapy for Cancer Patients

The IMPLEMENT project wants to make it easier for people with cancer in Germany to take part in good quality exercise programmes. Many studies show that exercise can really help people living with cancer. This project will spend three years finding the best ways to connect patients with these helpful exercise activities. First, they'll look at what's already available and what gets in the way of people joining. Then, they'll try out new ideas for different groups of patients, like children or adults, and in various areas, whether towns or countryside. They'll also look at online tools. Finally, they'll check how well these new ways have worked to get more patients exercising and how sustainable they are.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Cologne

Enrolment target

600

Start

01 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Cancer

What is this study about?

The IMPLEMENT project is all about helping cancer patients in Germany get access to high-quality exercise programmes. We know that exercise can be really beneficial for people with cancer, helping them feel better and improving their quality of life. However, sometimes it's hard for patients to find or join these programmes.

This project will spend three years looking at how we can make this easier. It's not a study where patients receive new treatments; instead, it's about improving how existing, beneficial exercise programmes are offered and accessed. The team will explore what helps people take part and what challenges they face. They’ll work with doctors, nurses, therapists, and patient groups to develop new, practical ways to connect patients with suitable exercise programmes.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a lasting system across Germany where every cancer patient who wants to can easily find and join an exercise programme that's right for them. They'll regularly check how well their new ideas are working and make adjustments to ensure the system keeps getting better.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve access to exercise for cancer patients.
Focuses on practical solutions, not new treatments.
Involves both patients and healthcare workers.
Will identify barriers and helpful factors for exercise.
The goal is a long-lasting, improved system for exercise support.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people to take part.

Firstly, they are inviting people living with cancer. This includes children from the age of five upwards, as well as adults.

Secondly, they are also including people who work in cancer care. This could be doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, or anyone else involved in looking after or advising cancer patients, even after their main treatment has finished.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a cancer patient?
Are you a healthcare professional involved in cancer care?
Are you aged 5 years or older (if a patient)?
Do you have any severe health conditions that stop you from exercising safely?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you're a patient, taking part in this project means you might be involved in trying out new ways to access exercise programmes. You wouldn't be given any new medicines or treatments as part of the study itself. Instead, the project is about improving how existing quality-assured exercise therapies are delivered. You might be asked about your experiences with exercise and what would help you take part. For healthcare professionals, participation would involve helping to develop and implement new strategies to connect patients with these exercise programmes.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of this project is that it aims to make it much easier for cancer patients to access helpful exercise programmes, which can improve their well-being. It could lead to better support and more choices for patients in the future. As this study doesn't involve new medical treatments, there are no medical risks to patients taking part beyond the usual considerations for exercise, which would be managed by exercise professionals. For healthcare professionals, it involves adapting current practices. You are always free to decide if you want to take part and can withdraw at any time.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Cologne
Verified postcode
Cologne, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this project?

The main goal is to make it much easier for cancer patients in Germany to find and join high-quality exercise programmes that can help them.

Will I get new medicine or treatment in this study?

No, this project is not about giving new medicines or treatments. It's about improving how existing exercise programmes get to patients.

Who can take part in this project?

Cancer patients of all ages (from 5 years old) and healthcare professionals who work with cancer patients can take part.

What if I have health problems that make exercise difficult?

Patients with certain health issues that prevent safe participation in exercise, like severe heart problems, may not be able to join the exercise parts of the study.

How long will this project last?

The project is planned to last for three years.

How to find out more

Freerk Baumann, Prof. Dr.

freerk.baumann@uk-koeln.de 0049 0221 478 42646 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.