Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

UW WELL-FIT Exercise Program for Cancer Patients

The UW WELL-FIT programme is for people with cancer who are currently having treatment like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy. Its main goal is to help manage common side effects from cancer treatment through a mix of heart-strengthening (cardiovascular) and muscle-building (resistance) exercises, alongside educational support. Researchers want to understand how well this programme works so they can share their findings and contribute to wider knowledge about exercise and cancer. After 12 weeks, participants will have the option to join a 'Graduate Program' to continue exercising, and the study might check in with them annually to see how they're doing. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can stop whenever you like without affecting your medical care.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Waterloo

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Jun 2014

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Cancer

What is this study about?

This programme, called UW WELL-FIT, is designed to help people who have been diagnosed with cancer and are currently receiving treatment. Cancer treatments can sometimes cause a range of side effects, and this programme aims to help you manage these through exercise and education. The goal is to make you feel better, stronger, and more able to cope during and after your treatment.

During the programme, you'll take part in different types of exercise, including activities that strengthen your heart and lungs (like brisk walking or cycling) and exercises that build your muscles. You'll also receive helpful information and support. The team running the programme hopes to learn what works best, so they can share these findings and help more people in the future. Your involvement could really help advance our understanding.

After completing the main 12-week programme, you'll have the choice to continue with a 'Graduate Program' to keep up your exercise routine. If you choose to do this, the study might ask for updates on your health and activity each year. This helps them understand the long-term benefits of exercise. Remember, whether you join or not, and whether you continue with the Graduate Program, your medical care will not be affected.

Key takeaways

A 12-week exercise programme specifically for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Aims to help manage common side effects of cancer treatment through exercise and education.
Includes personalised exercise plans, balancing heart-strengthening and muscle-building activities.
Optional assessments like blood tests or detailed body scans. You choose what you're comfortable with.
You can choose to continue with an exercise programme after the initial 12 weeks.
You can stop participating at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this programme, you must have been diagnosed with cancer and currently be having some form of cancer treatment. This could be chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy.

However, this programme might not be suitable if you have other health issues that prevent you from exercising safely, or if your doctor advises against it. You'll need to get a clearance from your doctor to make sure it's safe for you to take part.

The programme is open to adults of all ages and genders who meet the criteria above.

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.

Have I been diagnosed with cancer?
Am I currently receiving cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy)?
Am I generally able to exercise, or can my doctor confirm it's safe for me to participate?
Am I willing to commit to two exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a meeting and assessment. You'll be asked to sign a consent form, which will clearly explain everything. You'll complete a survey about your energy levels and might be asked about your diet and physical activity habits.

Before starting, you'll have a fitness assessment. This could involve some light exercise on a bike or treadmill, checking your muscle strength, and measuring your height, weight, waist, and possibly body fat. Some checks, like a blood sample or a detailed body scan, are optional – you can choose if you want to do these. Based on this, a personalised exercise plan will be made for you.

You'll then take part in the UW WELL-FIT programme for 12 weeks, attending two 60-minute exercise classes each week. After 12 weeks, you'll have another assessment to see your progress. You can also choose to continue with a 'Graduate Program' for ongoing exercise, with optional yearly check-ins. You can decide to stop participating in the programme or data collection at any time, and this will not affect your medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of joining include managing cancer treatment side effects, improving your fitness and strength, boosting your energy levels, and learning more about healthy living through exercise and education. Your involvement will also help researchers understand more about how exercise helps cancer patients. As with any exercise programme, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or mild injury, but the exercises will be tailored to you and supervised to minimise these risks. Some assessments, like blood tests, also carry minor risks like bruising. You have the right to withdraw from the programme or stop sharing your data at any time without it affecting your medical treatment.

Locations (1)

University of Waterloo
Verified postcode
Waterloo, Canada

Common questions

What kind of exercises will I be doing?

You'll do a mix of exercises that strengthen your heart and lungs, as well as exercises to build your muscles. These will be tailored to your abilities.

How long does the programme last?

The main part of the UW WELL-FIT programme lasts for 12 weeks, with two exercise classes per week. After that, you can choose to join a longer-term 'Graduate Program'.

Do I have to do all the tests mentioned?

Most assessments are part of the programme, but some, like blood samples or detailed body scans (DEXA), are optional. You can choose whether to take part in these or not.

What if I feel unwell during the programme?

Your safety is important. The exercises are supervised, and you should always tell the staff if you feel unwell or have any concerns. You can stop at any time.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information and health data will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes as explained when you give your consent.