Survivors Taking Action With Remote Exercise Training

Translation of an Evidence-based Exercise Program for Remote Delivery to Rural, Older Cancer Survivors

The proposed pilot study will test the acceptability and feasibility of a sixteen-week, two-arm randomized control physical activity intervention in older cancer survivors. The Survivors Taking Action with Remote exercise Training (JumpSTART) program is intended for cancer survivors (Stage I-III) age 60 or older, living in rural areas. The goal of this intervention is to increase physical activity opportunities for cancer survivors who are geographically isolated by offering exercise classes (EnhanceFitness) online. The real-time instruction of group-based classes helps older adults to exercise by establishing relationships, fostering social support and receiving corrective and supportive feedback from instructors that enhance self-efficacy for exercise.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Rural residence by self-report and confirmed with Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes
• Stage I-III cancer history
• Completion of adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery for cancer diagnosis
• Age 60 years or older
• Ability to walk for exercise
• Self-reported minimal or inconsistent participation in strengthening exercise and physical activity (< 150 minutes/week moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; confirmed with baseline accelerometer measures)
• Clearance for exercise based on a modified, combined Screening Cancer Survivors for Unsupervised Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Exercise and the Screening for Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) or physician approval as needed based on the pre-screening/PAR-Q responses

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not available for the study duration
• Unable to communicate by phone
• Unable to attend exercise class at schedule time (M,W,F, time TBD)
• Currently enrolled in another exercise program
• Unable to communicate in English