Clinical trial · Interventional
Partner4Exercise Study
Evaluating a Virtual Peer-support Exercise Intervention for Older Adults With Cancer: The Partner4Exercise Randomized Controlled Trial
- Source
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- Retrieved
- Sep 8, 2026
- Layer
- normalized (units and labels harmonized; values unchanged)
- Run
- ING-CLINICALTRIALS-20260908-000001
Summary
Brief summary (as posted)
Background: As Canada's population ages, the number of older adults facing cancer is on the rise. By 2030, 23% of Canadians will be over 65, and two in five will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. This situation is compounded by many older adults experiencing functional decline and social isolation, impacting their quality of life (QOL). While regular exercise can mitigate these effects, older adults with cancer often struggle to meet exercise guidelines, leading to decreased physical and mental well-being. Objectives: Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel, virtually delivered peer-based exercise intervention designed specifically for older adults with cancer. Methods: We will conduct a randomized trial with three groups involving older adults (65 years and older) who have a previous cancer diagnosis. Participants will be divided into three groups: one group will receive peer support along with tailored guidance from qualified exercise professionals (PartnerMatchPLUS), another group will receive peer support only (PartnerMatch), and the third group will receive usual care with no intervention. Over 10 weeks, participants will engage in a structured exercise program supported by peer matching, a peer support guide, educational materials about exercise guidelines, and a Fitbit to track their activity levels. We will assess outcomes at four time points: baseline, post intervention, post tapering, and at a six-month follow-up. Key outcomes include measured and self-reported exercise volume, social support levels, QOL, frailty, and physical activity enjoyment. In addition to these measures, we will conduct one-on-one virtual interviews to explore participants' experiences and the mechanisms that make peer support effective. Impact: If successful, this intervention could serve as a scalable model to encourage physical activity, promote social interaction, and ultimately enhance the psychosocial well-being of older adults with cancer.
Conditions
Conditions (1)
Free-text conditions as registered, with the CancerIndex entity they were reconciled to and the match type.
| Condition (as posted) | Mapped entity | Match | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer | Malignant Neoplasm | ALIAS | 0.90 |
Interventions
Interventions (2)
| Intervention | Type | Mapped drug | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peer matching | Behavioral | — | UNRESOLVED |
| Quailfied Exercise Professional (QEP) Support | Behavioral | — | UNRESOLVED |
Design
Arms and outcomes
Arms (3)
- type
- EXPERIMENTAL
- label
- PartnerMatchPLUS
- description
- This group will have dyads take part together in weekly virtual sessions with a qualified exercise professional (QEP) for 10 weeks. Sessions will last 1 hour. The QEP will provide tailored exercise counselling for both individuals in the dyad based on personal circumstances, cancer-related characteristics, side effects, and current fitness level with an overall goal of having them meet exercise guidelines for cancer survivors by the intervention end. A standardized guide will be used to deliver weekly sessions, personalized to participants' goals. Content discussed at sessions will include informational support (benefits of exercise), tangible assistance (suggestions for an exercise program), emotional support (overcoming barriers), and esteem support (encouragement). For four weeks following the 10-week intervention, the QEP will be available for consultation to answer questions as needed.
- interventionNames
- Behavioral: Peer matching
- Behavioral: Quailfied Exercise Professional (QEP) Support
- type
- ACTIVE_COMPARATOR
- label
- PartnerMatch
- description
- Dyads in this group will independently communicate and support each other around exercise for 10 weeks. They will not have contact with the study QEP during the intervention or tapering period. They will be asked to check in with their partner at least once per week but otherwise will structure their communication (mode and frequency) with their matched peer. After the final assessment time point, dyads in this group will be offered a single virtual session with the study QEP to discuss exercise-related questions. They will be asked to document any exercise-related questions that come up during the study period to be answered during the QEP session.
Eligibility
Eligibility (as posted)
- Sex
- All
- Minimum age
- 60 Years
Show eligibility criteria text
Inclusion Criteria: 1. English speaking; 2. older adults (\>60 years); 3. living beyond a cancer diagnosis (any type or stage of cancer at any stage of treatment); 4. living in Canada; 5. have been medically cleared for exercise; and 6. have consistent access to a internet-connected mobile device. Exclusion Criteria: 1. self-report any chronic condition, cognitive impairment, or injury that prevents participation in independent moderate intensity exercise, 2. do not pass medical clearance via the Get Active Questionnaire, or 3. had recent (in the last 4 weeks) or have planned surgery of any kind (including reconstructive surgery) in the next 6 months
References
Publications (0)
Data not yet available