Step-Up Intervention for Self-Management of Fatigue in Young Adults Receiving Chemotherapy

Step-Up Intervention for Self-Management of Fatigue in Young Adults Receiving Chemotherapy

The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of a physical activity intervention on the self-management of fatigue in young adults receiving chemotherapy. Half of the participants will receive an intervention which includes education and resources to set physical activity goals and monitor progress toward goals.

Interventions to increase physical activity have been shown to relieve fatigue in patients receiving chemotherapy, but no studies have tested a physical activity intervention to improve fatigue in young adults receiving chemotherapy. This study will determine the impact of a physical activity intervention on the self-management process variables of self-efficacy and self-regulation and their relationships to physical activity and fatigue severity in young adults receiving chemotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• have a diagnosis of cancer;
• are within the first two months of a chemotherapy regimen that will last at least another 3 months;
• are ambulatory without assistance;
• have written consent from their physician to participate;
• have the ability to understand English;
• have access to a computer and the Internet.

Exclusion Criteria:

• symptoms of uncontrolled cardiopulmonary disease, neurological disease
• delayed wound healing
• high risk of bone fracture
• pre-existing peripheral neuropathy