Trekstock RENEW: evaluation of a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by a cancer charity

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the uptake and effect of RENEW, a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. Methods The RENEW programme provides one-to-one individually tailored support from a level-4 cancer-rehabilitationqualified gym instructor, free gym membership and access to information resources online. Objective and self-report data on cardiorespiratory function, strength, body composition, fatigue, sleep quality and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was collected from participants before the programme (week 0), immediately after (week 12) and 1 month later (week 16). Results Forty-eight young adults (83% female; mean age, 29 years) with a history of cancer took part within the 12-week programme and completed the evaluation measures. Physical activity (PA) levels significantly increased following the programme and remained raised at follow-up. Improvements in physical function were significant: peak expiratory flow (mean change, 30.96, p = 0.003), sit-and-reach test (mean change, 6.55 ± 4.54, p < 0.0001), and 6-mine-walk test (mean change, 0.12 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001). No significant changes in BMI, weight or muscle mass were observed. Improvements in fatigue, sleep and HRQoL were observed across the programme and at follow-up (mean change, weeks 0-16; 8.04 ± 1.49 p < 0.01; 1.05 ± 0.49 p < 0.05; and − 0.9 ± 0.46 p = 0.051, respectively). Changes in self-efficacy to exercise and motivations to exercise were not observed at 12 weeks or at follow-up. Conclusions Results suggest that the RENEW exercise referral programme has a positive impact upon some domains of physical function and well-being among young adult cancer survivors. Implication for cancer survivors Exercise referral programmes delivered by charity organisations are one means by which PA behaviour change support may be widely disseminated to young adult cancer survivors. Health professionals and charitable bodies specialising in the care of young adults with cancer should look to address factors which prevent engagement and uptake of 'real-world' PA interventions such as the RENEW programme.

Young adult cancer survivors’ experience of taking part in a 12-week exercise referral programme: a qualitative study of the Trekstock RENEW initiative

“…This is novel and reflects the shift in exercise-oncology research from small pilot effectiveness trials towards pragmatic evaluations of real-world interventions [40]. The use of semi-structured interviews to collect the data for this study was highly valuable as it allowed exploration of ideas and collection of subjective data to supplement the quantitative data previously reported [13]. However, it should be acknowledged that sample described here (and within the quantitative report) is predominantly female and white British.…”

“…Participants were eligible to take part in the RENEW programme if they were aged 20-39 and had received a cancer diagnosis at any point in their lifetime. Data on recruitment and attrition to the RENEW programme is reported elsewhere [13]. An invitation to participate within this qualitative study was distributed by the Health Programmes Lead at Trekstock in July 2019 through email invitations and advertisements shared upon social media.…”

“…The RENEW programme provided personal training support from a qualified Level 4 Cancer Rehabilitation instructor within a communitybased gym setting, free gym membership and access to online support materials. An evaluation of the RENEW programme indicated that this intervention improved young adult cancer survivors' levels of physical activity, physical function, fatigue, sleep and health-related quality of life [13].…”

Community-Based Exercise Programs for Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review of Program Characteristics Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

“…Two programs (6%) did not report specific details about settings 37,67 , and two programs were delivered entirely remotely (i.e., by phone or web) 24,62,63 . The majority of programs were delivered in a group-based format for at least part of the program (76%), seven programs explicitly stated home exercise components 24,26,40,[57][58][59][60][61][62][63]77 and one program was exclusively one-on-one 27,73 .…”

“…Organizations received funding from membership and for-service fees 28, 46, 53 and foundation grants 27,47,73 .…”