Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Alberta Cancer Exercise Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Study

The ACE (Alberta Cancer Exercise) study is a five-year project in Alberta, Canada, exploring a programme designed to help people living with cancer. This includes those currently having treatment as well as those who have finished. The main goal is to see how regular exercise can improve physical health and quality of life for cancer survivors. Researchers want to make the ACE programme more widely available, including in community centres and through home-based options, to ensure more people can benefit. They also hope the programme might help prevent other cancers from developing. This study will involve 2500 adults with cancer and will track their fitness, activity levels, and overall well-being.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

2,570

Start

09 Jan 2017

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Neoplasms

What is this study about?

This study is called the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Study. It's a five-year programme in Alberta, Canada, looking at how exercise and support can help people who have had a cancer diagnosis. This includes those currently undergoing treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, as well as those who finished treatment up to three years ago, or who have ongoing health issues related to their cancer or treatment.

The main idea is to see if a special exercise programme, tailored for people with cancer, can improve their physical health and their overall quality of life. The researchers also want to find the best ways to make this programme available to more people across the province, not just in the big cities. They plan to offer exercise at local YMCAs, recreational centres, and even provide supported options for exercising at home.

Ultimately, by learning more about how well the ACE programme works and the best ways to deliver it, the researchers hope to show that regular exercise is a vital part of recovery and ongoing well-being for cancer survivors. They also believe that exercise might help reduce the chances of other cancers developing.

Key takeaways

This study explores how exercise helps adult cancer survivors.
It aims to improve physical health and quality of life.
Exercise programmes will be offered in local centres and homes.
Trained specialists will guide the exercise sessions.
Participation involves 8-12 weeks of tailored exercise.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old and have received a cancer diagnosis. You should be able to do at least some light physical activity.

You might be eligible if you are about to start cancer treatment, are currently receiving treatment (like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy), or finished your treatment within the last three years. If you have ongoing health problems because of your cancer or its treatment, and you think exercise would help, you might also be able to join.

It's important that you can safely take part in physical activity, and you'll need to be able to understand and sign consent forms in English. If a doctor or a fitness professional feels it's not safe for you to exercise due to your health, then you wouldn't be able to participate.

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 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with cancer?
Can you do at least some light physical activity?
Are you currently having cancer treatment, or finished within the last 3 years, or have ongoing issues from cancer/treatment?
Can you understand and sign forms in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll first have a check to make sure exercise is safe for you. You'll also have some fitness tests to see what level of exercise is right. Based on this, you'll be offered an exercise programme either at home, or at a local YMCA or community sports centre.

The exercise sessions will be led by fitness experts who have special training in supporting people with cancer. You'll do a mix of activities including aerobic exercises (like brisk walking), strength training, balance work, and stretching. These will be in a group setting, usually twice a week for about 8 to 12 weeks. The study will track your fitness, how active you are, and your overall well-being. The total duration of your participation in the exercise programme itself will be 8-12 weeks, but your progress will be followed within the overall five-year study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially improve your physical fitness, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Regular exercise is known to have many health benefits, especially for people with cancer. As with any exercise programme, there’s a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, but the programme will be carefully tailored to your fitness level, and you'll be screened to ensure it's safe for you to participate. You will also be supervised by trained exercise specialists to minimise these risks. Remember, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

University of Calgary/ Tom Baker Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada
University of Alberta & Cross Cancer Institute
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada

Common questions

What is the main aim of this study?

The study wants to see how a special exercise programme helps people with cancer improve their physical health and well-being, and how best to offer it across Alberta.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults over 18 who have been diagnosed with cancer, can do light activity, and are currently in treatment or finished treatment recently (within 3 years).

What will I actually do if I join?

You'll have an exercise programme tailored to you, either at home or in a community centre, twice a week for 8-12 weeks, with trained exercise specialists.

What are the benefits of joining?

The exercise programme aims to improve your fitness, physical activity levels, and overall quality of life.

Are there any risks to participating?

While there are small risks associated with any exercise, the programme will be carefully planned for you by trained specialists to keep you safe.