Phase I Randomized Controlled Trial of Functional Resistance Training in Older Cancer Survivors: The ACES Trial

This study is designed to begin addressing the current gap in evidence-based exercise guidelines for older cancer survivors, many of whom are at risk for losing their functional independence. This study is a three-arm parallel group randomized feasibility trial of 16 weeks of live, online supervised group functional resistance training in older (age 65+) cancer survivors (stages I - IV, including hematological malignancies) with or at risk for a functional limitation (n=150). Participants will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three study arms (immediate progressive functional resistance training (PFRT) intervention, stretching placebo; or, delayed PFRT), stratified by disease stage (metastatic vs non-metastatic). For both the immediate PFRT arm and the stretching placebo, participants will attend three 45-minute live, online supervised group sessions per week for 16 weeks. The immediate PFRT arm progresses from low to moderate intensity over 16 weeks based on participant tolerance. The stretching arm will perform stretches seated in a chair and will emphasize whole body range of motion and relaxation. The delayed PFRT arm will receive educational information about healthy lifestyle behaviors and monthly check-in calls over the first 16 weeks, then will follow the same exercise protocol as the immediate PFRT arm for an additional 16 weeks, during which feasibility outcomes will be collected. All participants will undergo two assessments (baseline and post-intervention at 16 weeks), consisting of surveys and performance assessments. The primary objective is to evaluate acceptability, tolerability, and safety of live, online supervised group functional resistance training sessions, as assessed by loss-to-follow-up, permanent discontinuation (i.e., study withdrawal), attendance to exercise sessions, treatment interruption, exercise dose modification, pre-treatment dose modification, tolerability (i.e., relative dose intensity), and prevalence and attribution status of adverse events. The secondary objective is to assess preliminary effects of the intervention on physical and mental health outcomes, including objectively measured physical function (Timed Up and Go, Physical Performance Battery), patient-reported symptoms and health related quality of life (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) FACIT-Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance, Depression, Physical Function, Pain Intensity, Cognition, Anxiety; EuroQoL-5 Dimensions, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire-Core 30), functional independence and disability (Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living, Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument), life-space mobility (Life Space Assessment), cognitive screening (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), frailty indicators (Chair Stand Test, 4-Meter Walk Test, self-reported physical activity and fatigue, and unintentional weight loss), and physical activity behaviors (Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors).