An Exercise and Nutrition Monitoring Intervention (Pt Pal) for the Improvement of Strength in Patients With Pancreatic or Stomach Cancer Receiving Chemoradiation Therapy Before Surgery, SurgeryStrong Study

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. In patients with pancreatic and gastric cancer undergoing preoperative chemoradiation and potentially curative resection, compare the change in dynamic lower muscle strength as measured by the 1 repetition maximum (1-RM) leg press between the time of enrollment and prior to resection in those who: a. Are offered aerobic exercise encouragement prior to surgery b. Are offered aerobic exercise encouragement, nutrition monitoring, and a structured strength exercise program prior to surgery. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To compare the change in dynamic muscle strength as measured by the 1-RM for the chest press, seated row, and leg extension. II. To compare upper and lower body muscle endurance as defined by the maximal number of repetitions performed at 70% of the pre-exercise 1-RM for the chest and leg press. III. To compare the change in the six minute walk test (6MWT) distance of patients between the time of enrollment and prior to resection. IV. To compare physical function (patient-reported based on the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Short Form and objectively based on grip strength) between groups. V. To compare the quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, patients with hepatobiliary cancer \[FACT-Hep\]) between groups. VI. To compare exercise motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire \[BREQ\]-3) between groups. VII. To compare anthropometric measures (e.g., weight, skeletal muscle, visceral fat and subcutaneous fat) using SliceOMatic software from usual care computed tomography (CT) scans between groups. VIII. To assess the incidence of perioperative adverse events that occur within 90 days between groups (Accordion score). IX. To compare changes in physical activity between the time of enrollment and immediately prior to surgery based on the Modified Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. X. To evaluate feasibility of patient completion of 24-hour recall via Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA-24). XI. To measure adoption of nutrition recommendations as compared to baseline. XII. To compare adherence to nutrition recommendations within and between groups. XIII. To compare "usual care" laboratory studies including those that are indicators of nutritional status within and between groups. XIV. To compare the vascular and tumor structure, and immune cell infiltration in tumors between patients in different groups. XV. To compare potential biomarkers of angiogenesis and inflammation that correlate with exercise, disease pathology, and/or clinical and functional outcomes. XVI. To store in a research bank any remaining tissue or blood (collected for the purposes of the above objectives) for the possibility of future analysis. OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms. ARM A: Patients are encouraged to complete at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, at least 3 times per week. Patients receive nutrition consultation with a registered dietitian and monitor dietary intake. Aerobic exercises and nutrition are tracked in the Pt Pal app. ARM B: Patients complete at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking or stationary bike cycling) at least 3 times per week. Patients also complete strength exercises with resistance tubes/bands at least 2 times per week, with at least 2 sets of 8-15 repetitions of the exercises taught. Patients receive nutrition consultation with a registered dietitian and monitor dietary intake. Patients also consume a high protein snack/meal/shake (15-25 grams) within 1 hour after any strengthening exercises. Exercise activities and nutrition are tracked in the Pt Pal app. After randomization, patients are followed up at 4-6 weeks.