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STABLE (Strength Training and Balance Leg Exercise) Study

Neoplasms

Falls are a major health concern amongst older adults with cancer, and are often related to decreased physical strength due to effects of cancer and its treatments. Ample evidence demonstrates the benefits of exercise programs incorporating strength and balance training on lower body strength, balance, and fall prevention older adults. However, gaps in research exist within the geriatric oncology context. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a 3-month, remotely delivered exercise program regimen on lower body strength, balance, and falls in older adults with cancer.

This observer-blinded, randomized controlled feasibility trial aims to recruit older cancer patients (aged ≥65). Participants in the intervention group will undertake the exercise program 3 times weekly for three months. Data collection will include sociodemographic survey, baseline, end-of-intervention (3-month) assessment, follow-up (6-month) assessment, chart review, and exit survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to analyze data, following the intention-to-treatment principle.

Data generated from this research project will inform design of a subsequent, larger exercise intervention trial. This is an important step to establish the knowledge base regarding provision of exercise interventions as a fall prevention strategy to reduce falls and their negative outcomes in older patients in the community.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    65 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion criteria:

* Adults aged 65 or above;
* living in the community;
* have a confirmed diagnosis of any stage of lung, breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer; - currently receiving, starting or have completed systemic anti-cancer therapy;
* life-expectancy of at least 9 months (in consideration of the measurement period of the study and also avoid burdening patients who are near the end-stage of their disease); and - completed the PAR-Q screening or have approval of their treating physician.

Exclusion criteria:

* presence of brain metastases;
* presence of unstable metastases as per treating physician (e.g., bone metastasis in a weight-bearing area, recent bone fracture);
* presence of any conditions that would potentially interfere with their ability to carry out the exercise interventions (e.g., mobility impairment, poorly controlled pain, severe vision/hearing loss, severe arthritis that limits ambulation, left-sided heart failure, neurological or musculoskeletal conditions);
* self-reported history of light-headedness during physical activities; syncopal episodes within the past month; and
* participation in any form of structured exercise program (that are at least 30 minutes per week) at the time of consent.

Study Location

Cross Cancer Institute
Cross Cancer Institute
Edmonton, Saskatchewan
Canada

Contact Study Team

Study Sponsored By
University of Saskatchewan
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT04518098