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Breast CancerNCT07706556

Pilot SMART of a Remotely Delivered, Physical Activity Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors

A study testing Affect-based Exercise Prescription, Effort-based exercise prescription and Standard Exercise Promotion Program in people with Breast Cancer, run by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility of randomizing participants to a "step-up" intervention pathway when they perform <150 minutes of MVPA at the 6-week data collection burst. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Breast Cancer
What is being tested?
Affect-based Exercise Prescription, Effort-based exercise prescription and Standard Exercise Promotion Program
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
30 Jun 2026to 3 Jun 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • -≥18 years old
  • Within 5 years of completing primary cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) for Stage 0-III breast cancer
  • <60 mins/week moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with no major changes for the past 6- months
  • Own an Android or iPhone smartphone (or tablet) and willing to use it to complete app-based surveys during assessment periods
  • Willing to wear the ActiGraph monitor during assessment periods
  • Access to internet to complete REDCap survey assessments

Who cannot join

  • Non-English speaking/not able to read English
  • Evidence of major contraindications for exercise (informed by the 2020 Physical Activity Readiness-Questionnaire (PAR-Q)+)
  • Currently pregnant
  • History of severe mental illness or currently taking mood stabilizing medications (antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or lithium)
  • Evidence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms (indicated by a score≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8)
  • Evidence of moderate-severe cognitive impairment (indicated by a score < 3 on a 6-item cognitive screener)
  • Evidence of clinically significant substance use as indicated by a score of ≥ 2 on the CAGE- AID screener.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Courtney J Stevens, PhD contact

6036509643

courtney.j.stevens@dartmouth.edu

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic

    Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756

    Courtney J Stevens, PhD, 603-646-5451, courtney.j.stevens@dartmouth.edu

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Pilot Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial (SMART) of a Remotely Delivered, Physical Activity Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility of randomizing participants to a "step-up" intervention pathway when they perform <150 minutes of MVPA at the 6-week data collection burst. Participants who performed <150 minutes of MVPA at the 6-week data collection burst will be randomized to either continue with the standard intervention or advance to the step-up intervention. The main questions it aims to answer are:

  1. What percentage of participants who are eligible for the intervention phase enroll in the intervention phase?
  2. Will participants assigned to the "step-up" intervention pathway demonstrate equal or greater rates of study retention and intervention engagement relative to those assigned to the standard intervention arm?
  3. What percentage of the sample is performing >150 minutes accelerometer measured MVPA/week at the intervention mid-point (week 6-data collection burst) and end-of-study (week 12-data collection burst)?
  4. Do at least 50% of participants assigned to the "step-up" intervention pathway achieve a clinically meaningful volume of weekly MVPA by 12-weeks follow-up?
Read more

All participants will:

  • Be assigned to either the Affect-based exercise prescription or the Effort-based exercise prescription.
  • Participate in three meetings with the interventionist (an exercise specialist) meant to help them get started increasing weekly exercise. These meetings are the same for all participants.
  • Be asked to wear an activity monitor and respond to brief surveys for 10 consecutive days at 4 points in time: Baseline, 2weeks, 6weeks, and 12weeks.

Some participants (those performing <150 minutes of MVPA at the 6-week data collection burst) will be assigned to the step-up intervention pathway. Participants assigned to the step-up intervention pathway will complete 3 additional follow-up meetings with the interventionist. During these meetings, the interventionist will help participants identify opportunities to be more active, set goals, and problem solve barriers to action.

Conditions
Breast Cancer
Being tested
Affect-based Exercise Prescription, Effort-based exercise prescription, Standard Exercise Promotion Program, Step-up Exercise Promotion Program
Medical subject headings
Breast Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Affect-based Exercise PrescriptionBehavioural

    Participants assigned to Affect-Rx will receive instructions to "select a pace of exercise that makes you feel as good as possible." The exercise intensity prescription section of their exercise plan will include the Feeling Scale as an attachment and participants will be given the instruction to "stay in the green zone" on the Feeling Scale.

  • Effort-based exercise prescriptionBehavioural

    Participants assigned to RPE-Rx will receive instructions to "select a pace that would make it challenging for you to carry on more than a short conversation." The exercise intensity prescription section of their exercise plan will include the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale as an attachment and participants will be given the instruction to "stay in the green zone" on the RPE Scale.

  • Standard Exercise Promotion ProgramBehavioural

    Core intervention content will be delivered during the Visit 1, 1-month, and 2-month-check-in meetings. Definitions of exercise will be provided, participants will be asked to discuss their past experiences with exercise, guidelines for being safe during exercise will be reviewed, and strategies for overcoming potential barriers to exercise will be discussed. All participants will be given an exercise plan organized according to the FIIT Principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type). The intensity component of the exercise plan will differ by study arm, all other elements will be delivered the same for all participants. All participants will be given the goal of increasing weekly time spent exercising to ≥150 minutes, consistent with recommended guidelines. All participants will be given a smartwatch to support self-monitoring of exercise and activity levels throughout the 12-week study period.

  • Step-up Exercise Promotion ProgramBehavioural

    Core intervention content will be delivered during check-in meetings scheduled during study weeks 7, 8, 9, and 10. During these visits, the interventionist will work with the participant to set weekly goals and problem-solving barriers to action. All participants will continue to receive instructions to follow their assigned exercise prescription (Affect-based Exercise Prescription or Effort-based exercise prescription). The step-up intervention calls are delivered the same regardless to which exercise prescription format the participant is assigned.

Study groups in NCT07706556
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Effort-based Exercise Prescription (RPE-Rx) StandardActive comparatorNot described
Receives: Behavioral: Standard Exercise Promotion Program
Affect-based Exercise Prescription (Affect-Rx) StandardExperimentalNot described
Receives: Behavioral: Affect-based Exercise Prescription; Behavioral: Standard Exercise Promotion Program
Effort-based Exercise Prescription (RPE-Rx) Step-UpActive comparatorNot described
Receives: Behavioral: Effort-based exercise prescription; Behavioral: Standard Exercise Promotion Program; Behavioral: Step-up Exercise Promotion Program
Affect-based Exercise Prescription (Affect-Rx) Step-UpExperimentalNot described
Receives: Behavioral: Affect-based Exercise Prescription; Behavioral: Standard Exercise Promotion Program; Behavioral: Step-up Exercise Promotion Program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Rate of Intervention Enrollment

    Number of participants who enroll in the intervention phase out of the number of participants who are eligible for the intervention phase

    Measured: Baseline assessment.

  2. Study Retention at 6-weeks Follow-up

    Number of participants who complete the 6-week follow-up assessment out of the number of participants who enroll in the study.

    Measured: 6-weeks follow-up assessment.

  3. Study Retention at 12-weeks Follow-up

    Number of participants who complete the 12-week follow-up assessment out of the number of participants who enroll in the study.

    Measured: 12-weeks follow-up assessment.

  4. Intervention Engagement

    Number of intervention sessions completed out of the number of intervention sessions scheduled

    Measured: 12-weeks follow-up assessment.

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. Average Minutes of Daily Moderate-vigorous Physical Activity Measured Using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT Accelerometer at 2 Weeks Follow-up

    The research grade ActiGraph wGT3X-BT model is a valid measure of physical activity intensity and duration among multiple populations, including breast cancer survivors. Minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity will be collected from the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT every day for 10-days. Average minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity completed per day of valid wear time will be calculated.

    Measured: Time Frame: 2-weeks follow-up assessment.

  2. Average Minutes of Daily Moderate-vigorous Physical Activity Measured Using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT Accelerometer at 6 Weeks Follow-up.

    The research grade ActiGraph wGT3X-BT model is a valid measure of physical activity intensity and duration among multiple populations, including breast cancer survivors. Minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity will be collected from the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT every day for 10-days. Average minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity completed per day of valid wear time will be calculated.

    Measured: Time Frame: 6-weeks follow-up assessment

  3. Average Minutes of Daily Moderate-vigorous Physical Activity Measured Using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT Accelerometer at 12 Weeks Follow-up

    The research grade ActiGraph wGT3X-BT model is a valid measure of physical activity intensity and duration among multiple populations, including breast cancer survivors. Minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity will be collected from the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT every day for 10-days. Average minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity completed per day of valid wear time will be calculated.

    Measured: [Time Frame: 12-weeks follow-up assessment.

  4. Satisfaction With Study Participation as Measured by the Participant Satisfaction Questionnaire

    An 8-item self-report questionnaire used to assess participant satisfaction with study participation using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 4 . Scores are summed and then averaged; total scores range from 1- 4. Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction.

    Measured: 12-weeks follow-up assessment.

  5. Intervention Acceptability Measured Using the Treatment Acceptability and Preferences (TAP) Measure

    A 4-item self-report questionnaire used to measure intervention acceptability using a Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (very much). Total scores range from 0 - 16. Higher scores indicate greater acceptability.

    Measured: 12-weeks follow-up assessment.

  6. Change in Voluntary Exercise Behavior Measured Using The Voluntary Exercise Questionnaire

    A 6-item self-report measure of exercise performed over the last month and week. Two items range from 1 (never) to 7 (often) and four items range from 0 (0 days per week) to 7 (7 days per week). Total scores range from 2-21. Higher scores reflect higher levels of voluntary exercise behavior.

    Measured: Baseline, 6-weeks follow-up, and 12-weeks follow-up.

  7. Change in Physical Activity Category Completed in the Past Month Measured Using the Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item (L-Cat)

    A single item self-report measure that present six statements describing various levels of monthly physical activity. Response options range from 1 (I did not do much physical activity) to 6 (I did vigorous activities almost daily). Total scores range from 1-6. Higher scores reflect more vigorous, more frequent physical activities completed in the past month.

    Measured: Baseline, 6-weeks follow-up, and 12-weeks follow-up.

  8. Change in Physical Activity using The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form

    A 7-item self-report measure calculating the amount of health-related vigorous and moderate-intensity physical activity as well as sitting time performed by adult participants over a one-week period. The number of minutes per day participants report for 3 categories vigorous, moderate, and walking activities are multiplied by the average metabolic equivalent (METs) for each category (8.0 METs, 4.9 METs, and 3.3 METs, respectively). Scores for each category are summed to calculate a physical activity score for the past week quantified as total MET values. Higher METS demonstrate a higher total volume of physical activity completed in the prior week. MET values between 0-599 are considered "low active," MET values between 600-1499 are considered "moderately active," and MET values 1500 or higher are considered "High active." This measure also assesses participants' total sitting time in the past week. Total number of minutes reported for sitting time is not part of the physical activity

    Measured: Baseline, 6-weeks follow-up, and 12-weeks follow-up.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted15 Jul 2026
  2. Study start30 Jun 2026
  3. Primary completion3 Apr 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion3 Jun 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Sequential
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07706556
Sponsor's protocol ID
STUDY02000934_2b
Other IDs
Dartmouth Cancer Center Pilot
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
10 Jul 2026
Last updated
27 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Affect-based Exercise Prescription, Effort-based exercise prescription and Standard Exercise Promotion Program in people with Breast Cancer, run by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Courtney J Stevens, PhD (6036509643, courtney.j.stevens@dartmouth.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Rate of Intervention Enrollment (time frame: Baseline assessment.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Oct 2026.

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