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Exercise Study for Cancer Survivors
Frequently Asked Questions
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- Who is sponsoring this study?
- Why is this study being conducted?
- Who is eligible for this study?
- What does this study require of the participant?
- Why is there a waitlist group?
- What is Tai Chi Chuan?
- What type of aerobic exercise program will be administered?
- Do participants choose a study group?
- What are the costs for participating in the study?
- How can I find out if I am eligible for this study?
- For More Information
This study is being sponsored and conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Medicine Department (RMD) at the NIH Clinical Center. Both NCCAM and the RMD are components of the National Institutes of Health part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NCCAM is the Federal Government's lead agency on scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine as practiced in the United States. To find out more about topics and resources mentioned in this fact sheet, see For More Information.
Clinical studies are research studies done with people. To find out more, see the NCCAM fact sheet About Clinical Trials and Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Why is this study being conducted?
Previous studies suggest that cancer survivors may be at risk for persistent psychological distress, decreased musculoskeletal functioning and aerobic fitness, hyperlipidemia, and increase in body fat content.
This study addresses cancer survivors' lingering side effects and stressors as a result of cancer treatment, and aims to determine an effective route to relieve people of these symptoms, increase their physical fitness and improve overall quality of life and well-being. This study will compare the effect of a mind-body approach (Tai Chi Chuan) to an aerobic exercise program (stationary bike cycling) on psychological stress levels, physical fitness parameters, and aspects of well-being in adult cancer survivors.
Tai Chi Chuan as a routine practice has demonstrated positive outcomes in improving flexibility, muscle strength, balance, systolic blood pressure, cardio-respiratory fitness, and reducing psychological stress and symptoms of arthritis. Regular aerobic exercise has lead to improvements in cardiovascular fitness, decreasing coronary risk, and lowering cholesterol levels. Both types may be beneficial for cancer survivors, but have not been compared in one study.
Who is eligible for this study?
To be eligible for this study, study participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Cancer survivors who are either:
- In the first continued remission from cancer after completion of initial therapy for at least 2 years or
- In continued remission for greater than 5 years after completion of therapy for a cancer recurrence
- Diagnosed with a solid cancer
- Between the ages of 18 and 65 years at study enrollment
- Free of cancer recurrence at the time of evaluation
- Completed a cancer treatment regimen that includes chemotherapy, biologic agents (e.g. IL-2, interferon), or vaccines
- Not received any cancer treatment within the last 24 months (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cancer related surgery and/or immunotherapy)
What does this study require of the participant?
Participants in this study will be assigned randomly (by chance selection) to one of three study groups: Tai Chi Chuan, cycling exercise, or a waitlist control group. Participants in each of these groups will be asked to make three visits to the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, over a 12 week study period for blood tests, functional testing of strength, mobility, physical fitness, and endurance, and to complete a number of brief surveys addressing quality of life and stress levels. Those participants enrolled in the Tai Chi Chuan group will take part in complimentary Tai Chi classes with a specialized Tai Chi instructor at the NIH 3 days a week for 12 weeks. Those enrolled in the cycling exercise program will participate in a complimentary and individualized fitness routine with qualified fitness experts 3 days a week for 12 weeks at the NIH. Those enrolled in the waitlist group will continue with their normal routine and come in for the 3 visits for a 12 week period, at the end of which they will have the opportunity to be randomly assigned to either the Tai Chi or cycling exercise group.
Why is there a waitlist group?
The purpose of the waitlist group is to compare the effects of those participating in one of the two programs, Tai Chi or cycling exercise, with those that have not enrolled in an exercise program. For this reason, aside from the three NIH visits for blood work, functional testing, and brief surveys, participants in the waitlist group are asked to maintain their normal daily routine during that 12 week period on study. It is recommended that participants do not add a structured exercise routine to their daily lives in which they were previously not involved. At the end of 12 weeks, these participants will be re-assigned to either the Tai Chi or the cycling exercise group. Thus, all cancer survivors enrolled in this study will have the opportunity to participate in one of the two exercise programs.
Tai Chi Chuan is a combination of martial arts and breathing exercises that evolved during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) in China. Commonly referred to as "moving meditation," Tai Chi is a mind body practice, which is used to calm the mind and energize the body through the equal distribution of "qi" (Chinese term for energy flow). For more information about Tai Chi and its health benefits visit the Tai Chi Fact Sheet.
What type of aerobic exercise program will be administered?
The aerobic exercise program is a moderate intensity workout consisting of indoor stationary cycling, individualized to each participant's heart rate and ability level. Fitness experts will work side by side with participants to make workouts optimal and interesting.
Do participants choose a study group?
In order to maintain the highest level of scientific validity, participants are placed in a study group through random assignment rather than by request. This is done by an automated system through which the outcome has no outside influence. Every participant (including those originally placed in the wait list group) will have the chance to participate in either the Tai Chi or cycling exercise program.
What are the costs for participating in the study?
There are no costs associated with participating in this research study. All Tai Chi classes, cycling exercise classes, lab work, and testing are completely complimentary. Participants can also request copies of their lab work for their own health care purposes. To make visits more accommodating and provide maximum convenience, participants are granted free valet parking for all visits to the NIH, as well as an extended visitor badge. While in the NIH, participants have access to cafeterias, gift shops, and other services the NIH provides.
How can I find out if I am eligible for this study?
If you are interested in learning more, contact the NIH Clinical Center Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office (see For More Information). If you appear to be eligible, that office will refer you to the study team for an initial telephone conversation. During this conversation, you will receive further information about the study and be asked some additional screening questions. If it appears that you might be eligible, you will attend a screening visit at NIH located in Bethesda, Maryland. At this visit, you will meet the study team, review your medical history, have a physical examination, and undergo some additional tests.
If you are eligible and would like to join the study, you will go through an informed consent process with a member of the study team. During this process you will learn all the details of the study, including any possible side effects, risks, and benefits. If you decide to participate, you will sign an informed consent form in order to be officially enrolled. It is important to know that you are free to leave the study at any time if you change your mind about participating. To ensure coordination of your care, the study team will keep your current physician updated on your progress throughout the study.
- To find out more about this study or to inquire about participating, contact the Clinical Center's Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office toll-free at 1-800-411-1222. The TTY number (for deaf or hard-of-hearing callers) is 301-594-9774 (local) or 1-866-411-1010 (toll-free).
- For the NIH Clinical Center's description of this trial, including its eligibility criteria, go to clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/detail/A_2006-AT-0016.html or contact the NCCAM Clearinghouse.
NCCAM Clearinghouse
The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and on NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
Web site: nccam.nih.gov
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
