Feasibility of an Activity Regimen in Patients With Advanced Stage Lung Cancer

Assessing the Feasibility of a Patient-centered Activity Regimen in Patients With Advanced Stage Lung Cancer

The investigators will evaluate the feasibility of implementing a low-intensity, patient-centered activity regimen (PCAR) that prioritizes education and communication over a 12-week period in advanced stage lung cancer patients. The primary outcomes will include number of patients increasing their overall step count over the study period and adherence to step count recommendations. Secondary outcomes will include quality of life (QoL), dyspnea, and depression scores before and after the intervention as well as a patient feedback questionnaire (to guide further interventions). The goals are to increase overall step count and obtain adherence of >50% of participants. The investigators will also assess whether the physical activity regimen influences markers of inflammation and glucose control and novel markers of cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pathologic evidence of advanced non-small cell stage lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Approval of the treating clinician
• Adult patients (age >21 years) willing to wear a FitBit® device (FitBit, Inc., San Francisco, CA)
• Access to a smartphone, agree to receive twice/daily text messages for 12 weeks (including any costs), and willingness to download the FitBit application to their smartphone.
• Low activity level as judged by a brief physical activity questionnaire (i.e., <150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity exercise, <75 minutes/week of vigorous aerobic exercise, or an equivalent combination).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Memory impairment (as judged by the treating clinician)
• Communication impairment (as judged by the treating clinician)
• Treating clinician's request not to alter physical activity
• Physical inability to safely walk (as judged by the treating clinician)