Mobile Health and Social Media Physical Activity Intervention Among Adolescent and Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors, the StepByStep Study
The 'StepByStep' study is looking at ways to help young people, aged 15-20, who have survived childhood cancer to become more physically active. Many young cancer survivors find it harder to stay active and healthy. This study compares two approaches: one group will use a fitness tracker (like a Fitbit) on its own, while the other group will use a Fitbit, get help setting personalized activity goals, and join a special social media group for support. Researchers want to understand if this extra support helps young people increase their physical activity. They also want to see how being more active might improve their overall health and quality of life over time.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study, called 'StepByStep', is designed to help young people (aged 15 to 20) who have finished treatment for cancer become more physically active. We know that staying active is really important for good health, keeping a healthy weight, and having enough energy. However, after going through cancer treatment, some young people find it hard to get enough exercise.
The study aims to find the best way to support these young survivors to move more. It compares two different approaches. One group of participants will simply use a physical activity tracker, like a Fitbit, to monitor their daily steps. The other group will use a Fitbit but also receive additional support, including help setting personal fitness goals and an invitation to join an online social media support group where they can connect with others and get encouraging messages.
By comparing these two groups, researchers hope to learn which method is more effective at helping young cancer survivors become more active in the long term. They also want to see how an increase in physical activity might improve health markers and how these changes impact a person's overall quality of life. This information will help doctors and support teams offer better advice and programmes to young people who have completed cancer treatment.
Key takeaways
- This study helps young cancer survivors aged 15-20 become more active.
- It compares using a fitness tracker alone versus a fitness tracker with extra support (goal setting, social media).
- The goal is to find better ways to improve physical activity, health, and quality of life after cancer.
- Participation involves wearing a fitness tracker and potentially joining an online support group.
- The study lasts about one year, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for young people aged between 15 and 20 years old who have previously had certain types of cancer and have finished their treatment. Your cancer treatment must have finished between 3 months and 3 years ago, and you should be in remission (meaning the cancer is not currently active).
To join, you should not be getting enough physical activity according to health guidelines. You also need to be able to walk around and not have any serious medical conditions that would make increasing your activity unsafe. You'll need to be able to use electronic devices like a smartphone or tablet and be able to read and write in English. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian will also need to give their permission.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join, for example, if you are a post-menarchal female (meaning you have started your periods). The research team will go through all the details with you to see if this study is a good fit.
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 between 15 and 20 years old?
- Have you finished treatment for cancer (and are now in remission) within the last 3 months to 3 years?
- Are you not getting enough physical activity each week?
- Can you walk around and use devices like a smartphone or tablet?
- Can you read and write in English?
- Are you able to follow study instructions safely?
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. This means you might get the extra support or you might just use the fitness tracker. You won't be able to choose which group you're in.
Both groups will wear a physical activity tracker (like a Fitbit) every day. If you're in the group with extra support, for the first 24 weeks, you'll also get weekly reminders to wear your Fitbit, help with setting personal step goals (this might be by text or phone call), and an invitation to an online social media group (like Instagram) with other participants. In this group, study staff will share encouraging messages and moderate discussions. After these 24 weeks, you'll enter a 'maintenance phase' for another 24 weeks where you continue to wear the Fitbit, but the extra support might be less frequent.
The total study duration for each person is expected to be about 48 weeks (just under a year). You won't need to take any new medications as part of this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (116)
- USA Health Strada Patient Care CenterVerified postcodeMobile, United States
- Banner Children's at DesertVerified postcodeMesa, United States
- Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical CenterVerified postcodeDowney, United States
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer CenterVerified postcodeDuarte, United States
- Miller Children's and Women's Hospital Long BeachVerified postcodeLong Beach, United States
- Children's Hospital Los AngelesVerified postcodeLos Angeles, United States
- Mattel Children's Hospital UCLAVerified postcodeLos Angeles, United States
- Valley Children's HospitalVerified postcodeMadera, United States
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital OaklandVerified postcodeOakland, United States
- Kaiser Permanente-OaklandVerified postcodeOakland, United States
- Children's Hospital of Orange CountyVerified postcodeOrange, United States
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer CenterVerified postcodeSacramento, United States
Common questions
What is a 'physical activity tracker'?
It's a small electronic device, like a Fitbit, that you wear to count your steps and sometimes track other activities.
What does 'remission' mean?
It means your cancer is not currently active and you are not receiving active treatment for it.
Will I have to pay for the Fitbit?
No, if you join the study, the Fitbit will be provided to you.
What if I don't use social media?
If you are assigned to the group with extra support, the social media group is one part of that support. You can discuss this with the study team.
How long will I be in the study?
You will be in the study for about 48 weeks, which is just under one year.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.