Walking intervention for people with recurrent or metastatic cancer v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to assess acceptability and feasibility of a walking intervention for people with recurrent or metastatic cancer
IRAS ID
138632
Contact name
Jo Armes
Contact email
Research summary
People living with metastatic or recurrent cancer report reduced quality of life (QoL) resulting from low mood, low energy levels and physical symptoms, including pain, fatigue and appetite loss. Whilst drug treatments are important in improving these symptoms, two recent reviews of existing research identified the important potential contribution of exercise in enhancing QoL in people with metastatic and recurrent cancer. Specifically, programmes that include walking for more than 30 minutes generate improvements in QoL, physical functioning and fatigue. However, many of the interventions reviewed included different types of physical activity, were supervised and required attendance at specialist exercise facilities and so may not be acceptable or cost-effective in the long term.
Whilst many people with cancer may be reluctant to exercise, research in primary care demonstrates the effectiveness of brief advice, supported by written materials, in increasing physical activity levels. Walking is a cheap form of exercise. Walking is also not restricted to a specific place - a feature identified as associated with longer-term changes in behaviour. No studies to date, however, have investigated whether a walking intervention on its own is enough to enhance the health and well-being of people with metastatic or recurrent cancer. This study aims to gather some initial data (through questionnaires and interviews) to answer the question: ‘Are community-based walking programmes feasible and effective in enhancing physical and emotional outcomes in people with recurrent or metastatic cancer?’ This study will make an important contribution by determining the feasibility and acceptability of a walking intervention that combines a motivational element with a pre-existing and nationally available walking programme (Walking for Health). If successful, it offers a sustainable and cost-effective physical activity intervention for large numbers of people and results from the study will inform a funding application to carry out a full trial.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0860
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion