NCT04632654 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
A Motion Exergaming Approach for Symptom Management: HNC
What this study is about
This overall objective of the RCT is to test an intervention to overcome the PA barriers for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients during the first 6 months after their treatment. PAfitME stands for a personalized Physical Activity intervention with fitness graded Motion Exergames.
View original scientific description
This overall objective of the RCT is to test an intervention to overcome the PA barriers for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients during the first 6 months after their treatment. PAfitME stands for a personalized Physical Activity intervention with fitness graded Motion Exergames. PAfitME is delivered via a tested mix of FaceTime calls and home visits, uses commercially available exergaming platforms (Nintendo Switch). We propose the following specific aims: (1) When compared to an attention control group, determine the effect of PAfitME on fatigue and musculoskeletal pain at week 6, when controlling for age and sex; (2) when compared to an attention control group, determine the effect of PAfitME on functional status and QOL at week 6, when controlling for age and sex; and (3) explore if PA self-efficacy, PA enjoyment, and exergame minutes mediate the effect of PAfitME on fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. This study will evaluate 150 post-treatment (radiation, chemotherapy, or chemoradiation) HNC patients in an RCT with an attention control. For 6 weeks, the experimental (PAfitME) group will receive the PAfitME intervention, and the attention control group will receive NCI-based survivorship education and exergame equipment. For Aims 1 and 2, using an intention-to-treat framework, we will fit a series of linear mixed effects models with each of the outcome variables. For Aim 3, we will conduct our exploratory analyses in ml\_mediation (STATA 15), which will compute direct and indirect effects for multi-level data.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
A personalized Physical Activity intervention with fitness graded Motion Exergames (PAfitME)
A total of 7 weekly intervention sessions will occur in a period of 6 weeks. Week 0 is a setup session conducted at the participant's home, including equipment set up, safety instruction, personalized exergame prescription development, exergame physical activity practice, discussion of barriers and strategies, and Q\&A session. Weeks 1 and 2 are coaching sessions delivered by the interventionist using the FaceTime application in iPad, including exergame minutes and prescription review, exergame physical activity practice, discussion of barriers and strategies, and Q\&A session. Week 3 is a progress session conducted at the participant's home. The personalized exergame prescription will be adjusted. This session also will include exergame minutes review, exergame physical activity practice, discussion of barriers and strategies, and Q\&A session. Weeks 4 and 5 are the same as weeks 1 and 2. Week 6 is the final session. Exergame platform will be picked up at the participant's home.
Primary outcome measures
Fatigue will be measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Short Form v1.0-Fatigue (NIH Common Data Elements [CDE]).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 6
In the PROMIS Short Form v1.0-Fatigue, the 6 items ask about fatigue status, including fatigue severity and fatigue distress in the past 7 days. The scale ranges from 1 to 5. The higher the score, the worse the symptom. The mean score of 6 items will be calculated in the analysis to test the changes from baseline to week 6.
Musculoskeletal Pain will be measured by the PROMIS Short Form v.1.0-Pain Intensity (CDE).
Time frame: Baseline and Week 6
In the PROMIS Short Form v1.0-Pain, the 3 items ask about pain intensity in the past 7 days. The scale ranges from 1 to 5. The higher the score, the worse the symptom. The mean score of 3 items will be calculated in the analysis to test the changes from baseline to week 6.
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
- To be eligible for this study, patients must be:
- diagnosed with head and neck cancer (Tumor sites in the head and neck area);
- 18 years or older;
- able to understand English;
- able to communicate;
- have a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score of \>= 60%;
- be cleared by their provider to resume low to moderate intensity PA;
- have fatigue or pain of ≥moderate severity; and A KPS score of \>= 60% has been used in previous exercise trials in the HNC population. This is equal to ECog scores ≤ 2. Moderate fatigue or pain severity is defined as a worst score in the past week of \>= 4 on a 0-10 scale. Patients receiving immunotherapy are not excluded from participating in the study.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients will be excluded if they
- are hospitalized;
- are in hospice care;
- have a history of seizures or loss of consciousness; or
- are cognitively impaired, defined as making ≥3 errors on a validated 6-item cognitive screener (3 items identifying the current year, month, and day; 3 items recalling 3 pre-selected objects).
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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 Oct 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations