Exercise for Esophageal Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byMelanie Potiaumpai, PhD, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this study is to (1) determine the feasibility of a prehabilitation exercise program (exercise before a medical treatment) in adults with esophageal cancer before surgery (esophagectomy). The pre-surgery exercise program will include resistance and aerobic training during the weeks before surgery. We will also assess pre-surgical care needs in adults with esophageal cancer. Researchers will compare the exercise intervention to usual care- which is standard medical care and post-surgery surveillance/follow-up to understand the impact of exercise before surgery. We will follow-up with participants before surgery, and after surgery at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 4-months at appointments that coincide with clinical follow-ups. The main questions of this trials are: * Is exercise before surgery for esophageal cancer feasible and acceptable to patients? * How does exercise before surgery change physical function and psychosocial health? * What are important pre-surgical needs for adults with esophageal cancer?

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with esophageal cancer who are scheduled for surgery. It aims to see if exercising before surgery (prehabilitation) is doable and helpful. Participants must be able to perform physical activities and follow the exercise program.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to provide written informed consent

Ability to understand, speak, and read English.

I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

See 5 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have a medical condition that makes it unsafe for me to exercise.

I have no health issues that stop me from joining exercise programs.

I am undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy not related to esophagectomy.

See 1 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Exercise (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewResearchers are testing a pre-surgery exercise regimen that includes resistance and aerobic training against usual care, which involves standard medical care without the added exercise component. They're looking at how this affects patients' physical function and mental health.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Home-based prehabilitation exercise (EX)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Interventions will include up to 8 weeks of 3-5 times per week resistance training and 3-5 times per week of aerobic training.

Group II: Usual Care (CONT)Active Control1 Intervention

The CONT group will not receive any intervention during study participation and undergo usual medical treatment and surveillance during the duration of the study.