Ethics Approval Number: A211828
What is this study about?
The purpose of this research is to assess whether cancer survivors enjoy doing Parkrun walk-run events for exercise, and whether this type of physical activity improves physical function, mental health and social connection. Regular physical activity is recommended for cancer survivors to maintain physical function, reduce some treatment side effects and to improve quality of life. However, adhering to exercise is often challenging due to the nature of cancer treatments, symptoms and other issues. The majority of patients do not do enough exercise to meet recommendations by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia and the reasons for this are still unclear.
What does this study involve?
If you agree to participate in this research study you will be asked to do the following
- in-person health check and other data collection at the University of the Sunshine Coast at 4 timepoints over 9 months: pre-study; after 4 weeks of normal daily activity; after 6 months of Parkrun; 2-month follow-up
- participate in Parkrun events when able – for example, weekly or monthly. Joining Parkrun is free of charge.
- complete 4 short surveys (anxiety/depression, quality of life, physical activity, diet) during the 9 months and 2 post-study surveys
What is Parkrun?
Parkrun is a free community walk or run event hosted in parks on the Sunshine Coast (Harmony, Brightwater, Mudjimba, Caloundra, Nambour and Maleny). Adults can join a Saturday 5km walk/run where there is no set time limit and where volunteers monitor the participants to make sure all are safe and finish the course. Joining in Parkrun group walks may be a more enjoyable type of physical activity than standard rehabilitation.
What are the eligibility criteria?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer of any type, are over 18 years of age and have medical clearance to walk, you are invited to join in this research project.
Your participation is voluntary and you can withdraw from the study at any time.
For further information please contact the Lead Investigator below
MEET THE TEAM
Research team lead
Lead investigator
Clinical Exercise Physiology
A/Prof Suzanne Broadbent
Sue has over 2 decades of experience as scientific lead of Exercise Science programs in Australia and New Zealand and now leads this study at The University of the Sunshine Coast. Her research focus is exercise rehabilitation for cancer survivors, cardio-pulmonary, orthopaedic and Parkinson's Disease patients. In particular, Sue dedicates her time to studying injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Sue also has interests in the delivery and evaluation of clinical exercise physiology programs with student-led clinics and programs, especially in rural settings.
CONTACTS
Get in Touch
If you would like more information about the Assessing Parkrun For Walking Rehabilitation For People Living With, And Beyond, Cancer study, or you would like to enrol, please contact A/Prof Suzanne Broadbent
sbroadbe@usc.edu.au
Address
The University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, QLD 4556, Australia
