Aerobic Exercise and Tai-chi Interventions for Improving Survival in Lung Cancer Patients
Lung Cancer Patients
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Lung Cancer Patients
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients who are diagnosed of stage IIIB, or IV non-small-cell lung cancer confirmed by pathology
- Patients are not currently engaged in other research or participant in any other exercise or mind-body classes
- Patients aged 18 years old, or above
- Patients who can communicate in Cantonese, Mandarin or English
- Patients with no other cancer diagnosis within the previous 1 year
- Patients report not doing regular exercises (defined <150 min of moderate-intensity exercise weekly) in daily living, but are able to attend either exercise or tai-chi classes at scheduled times
- Patients being conscious and alert.
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients suffering from a diagnosed active neurological, substance abuse and /or psychiatric disorders (i.e. depression, chronic insomnia) will be excluded.
Sites / Locations
- Queen Mary Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
No Intervention
Exercise intervention
Tai-chi intervention
Control group
Exercise class will run twice a week for 12 weeks. Participants will be encouraged to maintain their exercise beyond the intervention. An exercise trainer will lead the classes. The main activity of the classes includes aerobic exercises of walking on treadmill, or out-doors depending on group preference and weather, at a set pace individually tailored for moderate intensity of exercise, determined by baseline physical functioning assessment and modified based on Rated Perceived Exertion (RPE), or cycling on a stationary bike, using a set resistance to the physical functioning assessment and RPE. A set of four strengthening exercises are included in one of the exercise classes each week. These exercises are chosen to increase strength in the leg, arm, abdomen and improve trunk stability. Weights for the strengthening exercise will be set to give participants a moderate level of intensity of exercise.
The classes will run twice a week for 12 weeks with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Classes will be taught by an experienced tai-chi master, who will explain the theory behind tai-chi and the principles of the techniques. The supervised session includes a warm up, self-massage and a guided run through of the movements, breathing techniques, and relaxation in tai-chi. The tai-chi master will guide participants to practice the tai-chi they learn in the classes at home each day. Upon completion of the 12 weeks course, participants will be encouraged to continue their tai-chi practice, given guidance on local services and programmes they may join if they wish to.
Participants randomised to the control group shall receive written information on health levels of physical activity, which they can participate in at home (self-management) and continue to receive their usual care, participants will be followed up with an assessment at 12 weeks, 6 months and one year. At the end of the evaluation stage of the study, survivors in the control group will be invited to take part in an intervention of their choice.