OncoPhys Study: Investigating Physical Activity in Cancer Patients Using Questionnaires, Activity Trackers, and Patients

Physical activity is an important component of cancer treatment, as regular exercise can improve treatment outcomes. Physical activity plays a key role in the course of cancer treatment. However, accurately measuring physical activity in cancer patients poses a challenge. There are direct and indirect methods for measuring physical activity. Direct methods, such as the use of wrist-worn activity trackers (e.g., the GeneActiv accelerometer), are considered more objective but are more expensive and more difficult to implement in large study populations. Indirect methods, such as questionnaires (e.g., the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, IPAQ-sf), are more cost-effective and easier to use, but may be less accurate.

The aim of this observational study is to investigate the validity of the GeneActiv accelerometer compared to the IPAQ-sf in cancer patients at various time points during cancer treatment. This observational study examines the agreement (validity) of the GeneActiv accelerometer compared to the IPAQ-sf in cancer patients at various points during cancer treatment. The results of this study are intended to help determine the most appropriate method for assessing physical activity in cancer patients. This is an observational study, which means that no medications or new forms of therapy are being tested. Physical activity will be measured as part of the study one week and twelve weeks after the start of cancer treatment. Patient recruitment is taking place at the University Medical Center Greifswald. The primary endpoint of the study is to compare the physical activity recorded using the activity tracker and the questionnaire one week after the start of cancer treatment.

Women and men aged 18 and older with lymphoma, colorectal cancer, or pancreatic cancer who require surgical treatment, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are eligible to participate in the study. Participants must not be dependent on a walker to participate in the study.