Abstract
Background
Previous studies showed that exercise in cancer patients is feasible and may reduce fatigue and improve physical fitness and
quality of life. However, many previous studies had methodological weaknesses related to trial design, sample size, comparison
group, outcome measures, short follow-up durations and programme content.
quality of life. However, many previous studies had methodological weaknesses related to trial design, sample size, comparison
group, outcome measures, short follow-up durations and programme content.
Method
A-CaRe Clinical Research includes four randomized controlled trials in patients: (a) after chemotherapy, (b) during chemotherapy,
(c) after stem cell transplantation and (d) during childhood cancer. These trials compare high-intensity resistance and endurance
exercise interventions with usual care or a waiting list control group. In two studies, a second intervention arm consisting
of low-to-moderate intensity exercise is included. All four A-CaRe trials use similar methods.
(c) after stem cell transplantation and (d) during childhood cancer. These trials compare high-intensity resistance and endurance
exercise interventions with usual care or a waiting list control group. In two studies, a second intervention arm consisting
of low-to-moderate intensity exercise is included. All four A-CaRe trials use similar methods.
Results
Outcome measures are carefully chosen based on the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health model.
Measurements will be performed prior to randomization (T0), after completion of the intervention (T1) and at follow-up (T2).
The primary outcome measures are cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and fatigue. Secondary outcome measures include
health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses are
performed from a societal perspective.
Measurements will be performed prior to randomization (T0), after completion of the intervention (T1) and at follow-up (T2).
The primary outcome measures are cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and fatigue. Secondary outcome measures include
health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses are
performed from a societal perspective.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s12529-011-9158-5
- Authors
- Mai J. M. Chinapaw, Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laurien M. Buffart, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Willem van Mechelen, Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Goof Schep, Department of Sports Medicine, Máxima Medical Center, De Run 4600, 5504 DB Veldhoven, The Netherlands
- Neil K. Aaronson, Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Wim H. van Harten, Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Martijn M. Stuiver, Department of Physiotherapy, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Marie José Kersten, Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Frans Nollet, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Gertjan J. L. Kaspers, Division of Oncology–Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder, Division of Oncology–Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Jaap Huisman, Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Tim Takken, Child Development and Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Maurits van Tulder, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth & Life Sciences, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Johannes Brug, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Journal International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1532-7558
- Print ISSN 1070-5503