NCT07706556 · Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Pilot SMART of a Remotely Delivered, Adaptive Physical Activity Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility of randomizing participants to a "step-up" intervention pathway when they perform \<150 minutes of MVPA at the 6-week data collection burst.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility of randomizing participants to a "step-up" intervention pathway when they perform \<150 minutes of MVPA at the 6-week data collection burst. Participants who performed \<150 minutes of MVPA at the 6-week data collection burst will be randomized to either continue with the standard intervention or advance to the step-up intervention. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What percentage of participants who are eligible for the intervention phase enroll in the intervention phase? 2. Will participants assigned to the "step-up" intervention pathway demonstrate equal or greater rates of study retention and intervention engagement relative to those assigned to the standard intervention arm? 3. What percentage of the sample is performing \>150 minutes accelerometer measured MVPA/week at the intervention mid-point (week 6-data collection burst) and end-of-study (week 12-data collection burst)? 4. Do at least 50% of participants assigned to the "step-up" intervention pathway achieve a clinically meaningful volume of weekly MVPA by 12-weeks follow-up? All participants will: * Be assigned to either the Affect-based exercise prescription or the Effort-based exercise prescription. * Participate in three meetings with the interventionist (an exercise specialist) meant to help them get started increasing weekly exercise. These meetings are the same for all participants. * Be asked to wear an activity monitor and respond to brief surveys for 10 consecutive days at 4 points in time: Baseline, 2weeks, 6weeks, and 12weeks. Some participants (those performing \<150 minutes of MVPA at the 6-week data collection burst) will be assigned to the step-up intervention pathway. Participants assigned to the step-up intervention pathway will complete 3 additional follow-up meetings with the interventionist. During these meetings, the interventionist will help participants identify opportunities to be more active, set goals, and problem solve barriers to action.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Affect-based Exercise Prescription
Participants assigned to Affect-Rx will receive instructions to "select a pace of exercise that makes you feel as good as possible." The exercise intensity prescription section of their exercise plan will include the Feeling Scale as an attachment and participants will be given the instruction to "stay in the green zone" on the Feeling Scale.
BEHAVIORAL
Effort-based exercise prescription
Participants assigned to RPE-Rx will receive instructions to "select a pace that would make it challenging for you to carry on more than a short conversation." The exercise intensity prescription section of their exercise plan will include the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale as an attachment and participants will be given the instruction to "stay in the green zone" on the RPE Scale.
BEHAVIORAL
Standard Exercise Promotion Program
Core intervention content will be delivered during the Visit 1, 1-month, and 2-month-check-in meetings. Definitions of exercise will be provided, participants will be asked to discuss their past experiences with exercise, guidelines for being safe during exercise will be reviewed, and strategies for overcoming potential barriers to exercise will be discussed. All participants will be given an exercise plan organized according to the FIIT Principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type). The intensity component of the exercise plan will differ by study arm, all other elements will be delivered the same for all participants. All participants will be given the goal of increasing weekly time spent exercising to ≥150 minutes, consistent with recommended guidelines. All participants will be given a smartwatch to support self-monitoring of exercise and activity levels throughout the 12-week study period.
BEHAVIORAL
Step-up Exercise Promotion Program
Core intervention content will be delivered during check-in meetings scheduled during study weeks 7, 8, 9, and 10. During these visits, the interventionist will work with the participant to set weekly goals and problem-solving barriers to action. All participants will continue to receive instructions to follow their assigned exercise prescription (Affect-based Exercise Prescription or Effort-based exercise prescription). The step-up intervention calls are delivered the same regardless to which exercise prescription format the participant is assigned.
Primary outcome measures
Rate of Intervention Enrollment
Time frame: Baseline assessment.
Number of participants who enroll in the intervention phase out of the number of participants who are eligible for the intervention phase
Study Retention at 6-weeks Follow-up
Time frame: 6-weeks follow-up assessment.
Number of participants who complete the 6-week follow-up assessment out of the number of participants who enroll in the study.
Study Retention at 12-weeks Follow-up
Time frame: 12-weeks follow-up assessment.
Number of participants who complete the 12-week follow-up assessment out of the number of participants who enroll in the study.
Intervention Engagement
Time frame: 12-weeks follow-up assessment.
Number of intervention sessions completed out of the number of intervention sessions scheduled
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- -≥18 years old
- Within 5 years of completing primary cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) for Stage 0-III breast cancer
- \<60 mins/week moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with no major changes for the past 6- months
- Own an Android or iPhone smartphone (or tablet) and willing to use it to complete app-based surveys during assessment periods
- Willing to wear the ActiGraph monitor during assessment periods
- Access to internet to complete REDCap survey assessments
Exclusion criteria
- Non-English speaking/not able to read English
- Evidence of major contraindications for exercise (informed by the 2020 Physical Activity Readiness-Questionnaire (PAR-Q)+)
- Currently pregnant
- History of severe mental illness or currently taking mood stabilizing medications (antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or lithium)
- Evidence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms (indicated by a score≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8)
- Evidence of moderate-severe cognitive impairment (indicated by a score \< 3 on a 6-item cognitive screener)
- Evidence of clinically significant substance use as indicated by a score of ≥ 2 on the CAGE- AID screener.
Where
- Lebanon, New Hampshire
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations