The ALFIE study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A multi-component physical activity intervention for families during a child’s treatment for cancer: A feasib
IRAS ID
324804
Contact name
Elizabeth Stamp
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Loughborough University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aim of the study is to increase physical activity in children undergoing treatment for cancer, and their family. The child will be 5-12 years old, the family members will include at least one of the child's parents/caregivers and any siblings (aged 5 years and over) and other parents/caregivers who would like to participate. The intervention that we have designed is called ALFIE (Active Lives for Families).
Initially parents/caregivers will attend a training session to learn the benefits of being active & how to keep physically active during treatment. About a week later there will be a training session for family members to practice some of the activities. Each family’s circumstances will be different so our intervention has a range of components that the families can then choose to take part in. These components are: The training manual; Prompts in the hospital ward; Equipment for use at the hospital e.g., yoga mat or resistance bands; Equipment for use at home e.g., bean bags, cones; Family unity collaborative “movement minutes” goal; Watch fitness trackers; Physical activity social support group. Each week, families will log the components used and how many times they have used them, as well as completing a weekly diary. Before and after the intervention, factors such as physical activity and quality of life will be measured via a survey. After the intervention, families will be invited to take part in a focus group to share their experiences, so we can explore if participants enjoyed the intervention, components that worked, and if it can be delivered as intended.
We will explore Health Care Professionals' understanding of physical activity before and after ALFIE has been introduced to patients, through completing pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaires. We will also assess the Health Care Professional’s acceptance of the intervention through questionnaires and interviews.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0254
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion