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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 2/2012

Open Access 01-06-2012

Alpe d’HuZes Cancer Rehabilitation (A-CaRe) Research: Four Randomized Controlled Exercise Trials and Economic Evaluations in Cancer Patients and Survivors

Authors: Mai J. M. Chinapaw, Laurien M. Buffart, Willem van Mechelen, Goof Schep, Neil K. Aaronson, Wim H. van Harten, Martijn M. Stuiver, Marie José Kersten, Frans Nollet, Gertjan J. L. Kaspers, Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder, Jaap Huisman, Tim Takken, Maurits van Tulder, Johannes Brug

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 2/2012

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Abstract

Background

Previous studies showed that exercise in cancer patients is feasible and may reduce fatigue and improve physical fitness and quality of life. However, many previous studies had methodological weaknesses related to trial design, sample size, comparison group, outcome measures, short follow-up durations and programme content.

Purpose

This paper aims to present the rationale and design of the clinical research subprogramme of the Alpe d’HuZes Cancer Rehabilitation (A-CaRe) programme.

Method

A-CaRe Clinical Research includes four randomized controlled trials in patients: (a) after chemotherapy, (b) during chemotherapy, (c) after stem cell transplantation and (d) during childhood cancer. These trials compare high-intensity resistance and endurance exercise interventions with usual care or a waiting list control group. In two studies, a second intervention arm consisting of low-to-moderate intensity exercise is included. All four A-CaRe trials use similar methods.

Results

Outcome measures are carefully chosen based on the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health model. Measurements will be performed prior to randomization (T0), after completion of the intervention (T1) and at follow-up (T2). The primary outcome measures are cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and fatigue. Secondary outcome measures include health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses are performed from a societal perspective.

Conclusion

We hypothesize that exercise is more effective at improving physical fitness and thereby reducing fatigue and more cost-effective compared with usual care or a waiting list control group. If so, the programmes will be implemented in the Dutch clinical practice.
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Metadata
Title
Alpe d’HuZes Cancer Rehabilitation (A-CaRe) Research: Four Randomized Controlled Exercise Trials and Economic Evaluations in Cancer Patients and Survivors
Authors
Mai J. M. Chinapaw
Laurien M. Buffart
Willem van Mechelen
Goof Schep
Neil K. Aaronson
Wim H. van Harten
Martijn M. Stuiver
Marie José Kersten
Frans Nollet
Gertjan J. L. Kaspers
Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder
Jaap Huisman
Tim Takken
Maurits van Tulder
Johannes Brug
Publication date
01-06-2012
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-011-9158-5

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