Exploring physical activity in young adults with cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the physical activity behaviours in adolescent and young adults living with cancer and beyond.
IRAS ID
281795
Contact name
Lyndsay Alexander
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 4 days
Research summary
Research has shown physical activity to be beneficial for cancer patients and cancer survivors. Studies have shown it can reduce the side affects from cancer treatment (tiredness, weak muscles, reduced fitness etc), improve patients mental health and quality of life and reduce their risk of cancer re-occurrence. However, this research has focused on middle aged/older adults with cancer or children with cancer. This means that little is known about physical activity in young adults with cancer. National guidelines say that this population should be physically active but there is a lack of research around physical activity behaviours, likes/dislikes, challenges or motivators in this age group especially if they have cancer. Additionally, there is a need to explore the impact of COVID-19 on this populations' physical activity and what implications there are from this to inform future physical activity interventions and guidelines.
This study will investigate the physical activity behaviours of people who were diagnosed with cancer when they were aged between 16-25 years old using a multi-method recruitment strategy. Anybody who was diagnosed with cancer when they were aged between 16-25 years old and undergoing active or palliative treatment or classified as in remission or a survivor can take part in this study.
The study will consist of an online survey looking at current physical activity levels, their physical activity preferences, what helps people be active, what stops them being active as well as the impact of COVID-19 on their physical activity. Participants will then be invited to take part in an interview to discuss these topic areas further. The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete and the interview should last no longer than 60 minutes.
This study is being carried out as part of a doctoral project at Robert Gordon University.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NE/0235
Date of REC Opinion
28 Oct 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion