Evaluating a web-based computer-tailored physical activity intervention for those living with and beyond lung cancer (ExerciseGuide UK): protocol for a single group feasibility and acceptability study

Our plain-English summary of Evaluating a web-based computer-tailored physical activity intervention for those living with and beyond lung cancer (ExerciseGuide UK): protocol for a single group feasibility and acceptability study, by J. Curry, M. Lind, C.E. Short, et al (Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 2022).

The study

• Authors: J. Curry, M. Lind, C.E. Short, C. Vandelanotte, H.E.L. Evans, M. Pearson, C.C. Forbes
• Journal: Pilot and Feasibility Studies
• Published: 2022;8(1):182
• Cited by: 8 articles, as counted by NIH iCite
• Read it: PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Physical activity and exercise provide unequivocal benefits to those living with and beyond lung cancer. However, few of those living with and beyond cancer meet the national physical activity guidelines. Various barriers exist for this population's engagement in physical activity and exercise, such as the lack of knowledge and lack of tailored information, little access to exercise specialists, fatigue, and mobility challenges. Digitally delivered programmes have the potential to address several of these barriers, with techniques like "computer-tailoring" available to enable the delivery of tailored content at a time and place that is convenient. However, evaluation of such programmes is needed prior to implementation. This protocol describes a single group study that will examine the feasibility and acceptability of an online tool (ExerciseGuide UK) that provides those living with and beyond lung cancer web-based computer-tailored physical activity prescription and modules underpinned by behaviour change theories.

Methods: Thirty-five individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, or cancer affecting the lung (e.g. pleural mesothelioma), will be recruited into a single-intervention arm. The platform will provide tailored resources and a personalised physical activity programme using IF-THEN algorithms. Exercise prescription will be tailored on factors such as self-reported specific pain location, exercise history, and current physical fitness. In addition, modules grounded in behaviour change will supplement the physical activity programme and will focus on topics such as exercise benefits, safety, goal setting, and tracking. The primary outcome will be assessed using pre-established criteria on feasibility and mixed-methods approach for acceptability. Secondary outcomes will explore changes in the physical activity, quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

Discussion: This manuscript describes the protocol for a study examining the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based computer-tailored physical activity intervention for those living with and beyond lung cancer. The publication of this protocol aims to increase the transparency of the methods, report pre-determined criteria, and aid replication of the study and associated materials. If feasible and acceptable, this intervention will inform future studies of digital-based interventions.

Trail Registration: ClinicalTrails.gov , NCT05121259. Registered on November 16, 2021.

© 2022. The Author(s).

In plain English

This article was a study protocol and reported no outcomes from the planned study. The authors planned a single-group feasibility study of ExerciseGuide UK, a website giving people living with and beyond lung cancer a computer-tailored physical activity programme. Recruitment of 35 participants began in January 2022, to end in May 2022 or when that number was reached. Eligible people had lung cancer or cancer of the lung, with pleural mesothelioma given as an example. It did not study asbestos exposure. The website was designed to release 18 modules over 8 weeks. Think Aloud interviews with seven people living with and beyond lung cancer helped shape the website. They struggled to find the library page and found it "boring," so it was renamed "Extra Information." The main outcomes were to be feasibility and acceptability. The authors wrote that the study would give insight into usability concerns to revise before larger-scale trials. They discussed three limitations: taking part depends on having a computer or smart device, research waste is a concern, and recruiting people with lung cancer can be challenging.

We wrote this plain-English summary from the full article with the help of AI, and a second AI model checked each sentence against the article. It is not the authors' wording; the abstract and the article are their own account.

What the study did and found

• Design: Study protocol for a planned single-group feasibility and acceptability study. No outcomes from the planned study are reported. 35 participants were planned, with recruitment from January 2022 to May 2022.
• Who was studied: Planned participants: adults with a diagnosis of lung cancer or cancer of the lung (pleural mesothelioma given as an example), non-small cell or small cell lung cancer. They were to be recruited through Hull University Teaching Hospital, Kingston upon Hull, UK.
• Exposure: No asbestos exposure was studied. The intervention was ExerciseGuide UK, a web-based computer-tailored physical activity programme designed to release 18 modules over 8 weeks.
• Main results:
  • Formative development work, not a result of the planned study: Think Aloud interviews were held with seven participants living with and beyond lung cancer. These participants struggled to find the library page and found it "boring". The page was then renamed "Extra Information" and image thumbnails were added.
• The authors' conclusion: The authors concluded that the feasibility study would give insight into usability concerns that could be revised before larger-scale trials, potentially reducing research waste.
• Limitations the authors state:
  • Taking part depends on having access to a laptop, computer or smart device, and this access may vary.
  • Research waste is an ongoing concern in health research. The authors noted that involving the target population may reduce it.
  • Recruiting people living with and beyond lung cancer into clinical research can be challenging.

Topics

Medical terms in this study, explained in our Lexicon: Lung Cancer, Pleural Mesothelioma, Quality of Life.

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