Exercise Program Among Lung Cancer Dyads

Pilot Study of a Progressive Exercise Program Among Lung Cancer Patient-Partner Dyads

Pilot study of an exercise program among patients with all stages of lung cancer examining feasibility and acceptability. Preliminary outcomes include objective measures of physical function, depression, adherence to lung cancer treatments, Quality of Life (QOL), and social support.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

I. Determine the feasibility and acceptability of a progressive exercise program initiated after lung cancer diagnosis among patient partner dyads.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:

I. Examine the preliminary effects of partnered exercise on physical function, depression, adherence to lung cancer treatments, QOL and social support .

OUTLINE:

Participants attend supervised group exercises classes twice per week during weeks 1-6 and once per week during weeks 7-12. Participants also attend home-based unsupervised exercise sessions via an instructional DVD once per weeks over for 30 minutes during weeks 1-6 and twice per week during weeks 7-12.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mild depression symptoms
• Able to participate in exercise program per physician approval
• Available partner/spouse to participate with patient

Exclusion Criteria:

• Persistent severe depression symptoms
• Inability to participate in exercise
• Life expectancy less than 1 year