Research
At the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Exercise & Health Lab, we design, test, implement and disseminate physical activity interventions. Most of our work focuses on cancer survivors, but we are also interested in those with other chronic conditions and the general population. Browse our current and past studies below.
Ongoing Studies
Multi-site Adaptive Trial of a Technology-Based, EHR-Integrated Physical Activity Intervention in Breast and Endometrial Cancer Survivors (MyActivity)
The purpose of this study is to develop an effective and scalable physical activity intervention for breast and endometrial cancer survivors that will move from a one-size-fits-all approach to a dynamic, tailored approach for exercise promotion.
This study is a collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is funded by the National Cancer Institute.
Optimization of a mHealth Physical Activity Promotion Intervention with Mindful Awareness for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors (Opt2Move)
The purpose of this study is to apply the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to determine which types of social support and mindfulness training intervention components optimally increase moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYACS) in a 12-week mHealth MVPA intervention with a 12-week follow-up.
MOST is a framework adapted from engineering that uses highly efficient factorial experiments to evaluate individual, and combined, effects of intervention components to determine which ones can be reduced, eliminated or replaced to improve efficiency. Inactive AYACS (n=304) will receive a core intervention consisting of the OPTIMAL AYAO app and Fitbit and be randomly assigned to four components under consideration for inclusion in the optimized intervention:
- General mindfulness training
- MVPA specific mindfulness training
- e-coach
- Engagement of a buddy
We will also examine the effects of increasing MVPA on symptom burden, intensities of other activities (i.e. light and sedentary), and sleep quality and duration as well as potential mediators and moderators of component effects.
This study is funded by The National Cancer Institute (R01CA262357: PI: Philips, S. & Victorson, D.). Recruitment Status: We are not currently recruiting for this study.
Completed Studies
Technology-Supported Physical Activity Intervention for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients (Fit2ThriveMB)
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a technology-supported intervention, Fit2ThriveMB, to promote physical activity in metastatic breast cancer patients. This is a two-arm randomized control trial (RCT) where participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Fit2ThriveMB (intervention group) or Healthy Lifestyle Waitlist Group (control group).
This study is funded by the National Cancer Institute.
Watch "Acceptability of a Nationwide Technology-Supported Physical Activity Promotion Intervention," a poster video submitted by the study's authors to a virtual conference hosted by the UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media.
Designing to Optimize Dissemination and Implementation of a Physical Activity Intervention in Breast Cancer Survivors (Fit2Thrive)
The primary purpose of this study is to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a set of five social-cognitive-theory-guided mHealth physical activity intervention components in breast cancer survivors using a patient-centered approach. The effects of the intervention components on objectively measured physical activity and quality of life indicators will also be examined in a 12-week intervention using multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) methodology.
This study is funded by The National Cancer Institute (K07CA196840 and R21CA219028) and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Watch "Development of the Fit2Thrive Physical Activity Promotion App with Breast Cancer Survivors," a poster video submitted by the study's authors to a virtual conference hosted by the UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media.
Impact of Chemotherapy on Activity Patterns in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy (IMPACT Study)
This is a prospective observational study that uses three 10-day ecological momentary assessment “bursts” of data collection at the beginning, middle and end of chemotherapy to examine potential clinical (e.g. treatment dosage, treatment adherence), behavioral (e.g. self-efficacy, motivation) and psychosocial (e.g. fatigue, pain) determinants and outcomes of activity and sleep pattern changes during chemotherapy for breast cancer.
This study was supported by the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation.
Affective and Cognitive Responses to Acute Bouts of Aerobic Exercise, Mindfulness Meditation, and Combined Exercise and Meditation (PA/MIND)
This experimental study is designed to examine the effects of three different acute bouts of the following activities: mindfulness training only, physical activity only or physical activity plus mindfulness training on heart rate, blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and feeling states during each acute bout and on changes in positive and negative affect, anxiety and cognitive function measures. Findings will provide knowledge to help understand the feasibility and acceptability of engaging in physical activity and mindfulness training simultaneously and the health benefits of doing so.
This study is funded by the Northwestern University Department of Preventive Medicine.
Needs Assessment for Physical Activity Promotion and Sedentary Behavior Reduction Interventions among Breast Cancer Survivors
This is a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in the summer of 2015 to examine survivors’ (n=279) interest and preferences for technology-supported lifestyle interventions. We also explored potential social cognitive determinants of sedentary behavior.
This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (UL1TR001422).
Cancer to 5K Program Evaluation Study
The purpose of this study is to examine potential pre- and post- participation changes in physical activity, motivation and patient-reported outcomes – including fatigue, depression, social isolation and self-esteem – among participants in the Cancer to 5K program, a 12-week program that trains adolescent and young adult cancer survivors at eight sites across the U.S. for a 5K race.
This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (UL1TR001422).
Interested in participating in a study or have questions about our research?