Couple's Exercise Program for Cancer

This trial aims to determine if a partnered exercise program can maintain the physical and mental health of couples when one partner undergoes radiation treatment for cancer. The study will test a program called "Exercising Together," which encourages couples to exercise together, emphasizing communication and support. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will follow the exercise program, while the other will receive educational materials about exercise. The trial seeks couples where one partner has been diagnosed with prostate or breast cancer and is scheduled for radiation therapy, with both partners agreeing to participate. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important findings.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have a medical condition or are taking medications that make moderate exercise unsafe, you may not be eligible to participate.

Research has shown that exercise programs like Exercising Together are generally safe and manageable for participants. In studies incorporating exercise into cancer treatment, up to 20% of participants may stop within 12 weeks. However, fewer participants tend to drop out when all study groups receive some form of support. This suggests that guidance and encouragement from programs like Exercising Together can help maintain participation and reduce negative effects.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Couple's Exercise Program for cancer patients because it introduces a novel way to integrate physical activity into cancer treatment. Unlike traditional exercise programs, this program encourages patients to exercise alongside their partners, leveraging live remote video conferencing for convenience and support. This approach not only aims to improve physical health but also strengthens emotional bonds and offers mutual motivation, which could enhance adherence and overall well-being during cancer treatment. Additionally, the trial collects blood samples to explore potential biological changes, offering insights into how exercise might influence cancer recovery on a molecular level.

Research has shown that the "Exercising Together" program, which participants in this trial may undergo, benefits both physical and mental health for couples undergoing cancer treatment with radiation. A small initial study found that both patients and their partners became more active, with a noticeable increase in activity for the partners. In this trial, one group will participate in the structured exercise program, while another group will receive educational materials specific to exercise. Programs like Exercising Together have been linked to a higher chance of staying cancer-free for five years compared to those who only received information. This suggests that regular exercise as a couple might improve health and strengthen relationships during challenging times.¹²⁴⁶⁷