Understanding the Feasibility of a Co-designed Pre-radiotherapy Exercise Programme - A Single-arm Study
This study is exploring a new exercise programme for people with lung cancer who are having radiotherapy. It involves exercising for 20 minutes on a stationary bike just before each radiotherapy session, right in the hospital department. The main aim is to find out if this exercise programme is practical, enjoyable, and safe for patients. Researchers will check things like how many people join, how often they exercise, and if they follow the exercise levels. They will also talk to patients, their families, and healthcare staff to get their thoughts. This will help understand if this approach could make radiotherapy more manageable and improve the experience for people with lung cancer in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking at a new way to help people with lung cancer who are having radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is a common treatment for various cancers. The idea is to have patients do a short exercise session on a stationary bike just before each radiotherapy treatment. These sessions would take place right in the radiotherapy department and last about 20 minutes each.
The main goal is to see if this exercise plan is possible and helpful. The researchers want to know if patients are happy to take part, if they attend the exercise sessions regularly, and if they find the exercise levels suitable. They'll also carefully watch out for any problems or side effects to make sure the programme is safe. By understanding people's experiences, the study hopes to find out if this kind of exercise could become a regular part of radiotherapy treatment, potentially making the whole process easier to get through.
To get a full picture, the study will collect information in two ways. Firstly, they will look at numbers, such as how many people join and how often they exercise. Secondly, they will talk to participants, their family members, and the healthcare team. These conversations will help them understand everyone's thoughts and feelings about the exercise programme, and how it fits into their treatment journey.
Key takeaways
- This study explores exercise before radiotherapy for lung cancer.
- You'd cycle for 20 minutes before each treatment session.
- The exercise plan is designed specifically for you and is supervised.
- The main goal is to see if this exercise is practical, safe, and helpful.
- Your feedback and experiences are important for future patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people who have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, stages 1 to 3. You need to be planning to have radiotherapy as your main treatment, with the aim of curing the cancer. You should be at least 18 years old and able to understand and speak English. Your doctor will need to confirm that it's safe for you to take part in moderate exercise.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain serious heart conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, or spinal cord compression. If you've had recent major bone surgery or experience chest pain with exercise, you would also not be eligible. They are not looking for people who are pregnant, or who are having chemotherapy or immunotherapy at the same time as radiotherapy.
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.
- Do I have lung cancer (stages 1-3) and am I having radiotherapy with the aim of a cure?
- Am I at least 18 years old and can I speak English?
- Has my doctor said it's safe for me to do moderate exercise?
- Do I have any serious heart problems, uncontrolled diabetes, or recent major bone surgery?
- Am I receiving chemotherapy or immunotherapy at the same time as my radiotherapy?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to do 20 supervised exercise sessions. Each session will last 20 minutes and will be on a stationary exercise bike located in the radiotherapy department. These sessions will usually happen immediately before your radiotherapy treatment each day. Before you start, you'll have a gentle exercise test to work out the best exercise intensity for you, which could be light, moderate, or slightly more intense. This intensity can be adjusted throughout the programme based on how you feel.
During and after the study, researchers will monitor how often you exercise and how well you stick to the plan. They will also keep an eye on your safety. After your treatment is finished, you and possibly your family members might be asked to take part in an interview to share your thoughts and experiences about the exercise programme. This study would involve around four weeks of exercise during your radiotherapy treatment, plus baseline assessments and a follow-up interview.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, City Hospital, BHSCTVerified postcodeBelfast, United Kingdom
Common questions
Where will the exercise take place?
All exercise sessions will happen in the radiotherapy department, right before your treatment.
How long will I be in the study?
You'll be exercising during your four-week radiotherapy treatment, plus some initial assessments and a follow-up interview.
Will I be exercising alone?
No, all exercise sessions will be supervised by a member of the research team.
What if I feel unwell during the exercise?
Your safety is very important. You can stop exercising at any time if you feel unwell, and the team will be there to help you.
How to find out more
Matthew Peter Beggs, MSc, BSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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