Assessing a Digital Exercise Intervention for Health Outcomes and Engagement in Regular Exercise
This study, run by The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, is for men with prostate cancer who are having hormone therapy and radiotherapy. Hormone therapy can cause side effects like changes in body fat, muscle loss, and tiredness. Exercise is known to help, but many find it hard to do regularly. Researchers want to see if a new online exercise programme, with supervised group sessions, can help men stick to exercising. They will compare those doing the programme with those receiving usual care. The aim is to improve their health and quality of life by making exercise more accessible and enjoyable.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When men are treated for prostate cancer with hormone therapy, often alongside radiotherapy, they can sometimes experience unwanted side effects. These might include changes to their body, such as gaining fat around their organs and losing muscle, an increased risk of heart problems, and feeling very tired. These side effects can really impact how well they feel overall.
We know that exercise is incredibly helpful in reducing these side effects and even reversing some of them. However, it can be tricky for people with prostate cancer to exercise regularly. Things like the cost of getting to a gym, the time it takes to travel, and sometimes just not feeling motivated can be big barriers.
This study wants to test a new way to help men exercise. It involves a digital programme with online group exercise sessions led by supervisors. Researchers will compare this new programme with standard care to see if it helps men stick to exercise guidelines more effectively. They hope this will lead to better health and an improved quality of life for those taking part.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates an online exercise program for prostate cancer patients.
- It aims to reduce hormone therapy side effects like fatigue and muscle loss.
- Participation involves online group exercise or usual care, plus activity tracking.
- Assessments are done at 3, 6, and 12 months after radiotherapy.
- The study takes place at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea, UK.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a man over 18 who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. You must be currently receiving, or about to start, hormone therapy (LHRHa) as part of your prostate cancer treatment, and also be planned to have radiotherapy. If you've already started hormone therapy, you must have been on it for no more than eight weeks.
You also need to be well enough to exercise safely, as decided by your medical team, and not have any health conditions that would make exercise unsafe. You should also be able to use technology like video calls and have access to the internet. Being able to understand and speak English fluently is also important for participating.
There are some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you're planned to have certain other specific cancer drugs or chemotherapy. Also, if you have unstable heart conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure, specific issues with your spine, or other physical problems that stop you from exercising, you won't be able to take part.
- Are you a man over 18 with prostate cancer?
- Are you having hormone therapy (LHRHa) and planned for radiotherapy?
- Have you been on hormone therapy for less than 8 weeks (if already started)?
- Are you able to use video calls and online devices for exercise?
- Do you feel well enough to exercise safely?
- Do you not have serious heart conditions or unstable spinal problems?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be assigned by chance to one of two groups. One group will continue with their usual medical care, and the other group will receive their usual care PLUS access to the new digital exercise programme. This programme includes supervised group exercise sessions that happen online.
To check how much exercise you're doing, you'll wear a special activity tracker (like a smartwatch) and keep an exercise diary. You'll also fill out some questionnaires about your health and how you feel. There will be clinic appointments and assessments at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after your radiotherapy treatment. The study will take place at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Chelsea.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Royal Marsden HospitalLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is hormone therapy and why does it cause side effects?
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer aims to reduce male hormones that can make cancer grow. This can cause side effects like changes in body weight, muscle loss, and tiredness because your body's hormone balance is altered.
What does a 'digital exercise intervention' mean?
It means an exercise programme that you access online, using technology like video calls. You'll join supervised group exercise sessions from your home or another convenient location.
Will I have to pay to join this study?
No, you will not have to pay to join the study or use the digital exercise programme if you are allocated to that group.
How will the researchers know if I'm exercising?
You'll wear a special device that tracks your movements, keep a diary of your exercise, and answer questions about your activity levels. You'll also have some physical check-ups at the hospital.
What if I have other health problems?
Your medical team will carefully check your health to make sure it's safe for you to exercise and join the study. Some health problems might mean you can't take part, for your own safety.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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