Feasibility of a multimodal exercise, nutrition, and palliative care intervention in advanced lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Advanced lung cancer patients face significant physical and psychological burden leading to reduced physical function and quality of life. Separately, physical activity, nutrition, and palliative symptom management interventions have been shown to improve functioning in this population, however no study has combined all three in a multimodal intervention. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility of a multimodal physical activity, nutrition, and palliative symptom management intervention in advanced lung cancer. METHODS: Participants received an individually tailored 12-week intervention featuring in-person group-based exercise classes, at-home physical activity prescription, behaviour change education, and nutrition and palliative care consultations. Patients reported symptom burden, energy, and fatigue before and after each class. At baseline and post-intervention, symptom burden, quality of life, fatigue, physical activity, dietary intake, and physical function were assessed. Post-intervention interviews examined participant perspectives. RESULTS: The multimodal program was feasible, with 44% (10/23) recruitment, 75% (75/100) class attendance, 89% (8/9) nutrition and palliative consult attendance, and 85% (17/20) assessment completion. Of ten participants, 70% (7/10) completed the post-intervention follow-up. Participants perceived the intervention as feasible and valuable. Physical activity, symptom burden, and quality of life were maintained, while tiredness decreased significantly. Exercise classes prompted acute clinically meaningful reductions in fatigue, tiredness, depression, pain, and increases in energy and well-being. CONCLUSION: A multimodal physical activity, nutrition, and palliative symptom management intervention is feasible and shows potential benefits on quality of life that warrant further investigation in a larger cohort trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04575831 , Registered 05 October 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

A three-tier algorithm for guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency newborn screening.

BACKGROUND: Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency is a rare disorder of creatine biosynthesis presenting with epilepsy and developmental delay in infancy. Excellent developmental outcomes have been reported for infants treated from birth due to a family history. The BC Newborn Screening Program initiated a 3year pilot screening study for GAMT deficiency to evaluate the performance of a novel three-tiered screening approach. METHODS: Over 36months all bloodspots submitted for routine newborn screening were included in the pilot study (de-identified). Initial GAA measurement was integrated into the standard acylcarnitine/amino acid first-tier assay. All samples with elevated GAA were subjected to second-tier GAA analysis by LC-MS/MS integrated into an existing branched-chain amino acid (MSUD) method. GAMT gene sequencing was completed on the original bloodspot for all specimens with elevated GAA on the second-tier test. The protocol allowed for re-identification for treatment of any specimen with one or two likely pathogenic GAMT mutations. RESULTS: Over the study period 135,372 specimens were tested with 259 (0.19%) over the first-tier GAA cut-off. The second-tier assay removed an interference falsely elevating GAA levels, and only 3 samples required genotyping. No mutations were identified in any samples, all were deemed negative screens and no follow-up was initiated. CONCLUSIONS: A three-tier algorithm for GAMT newborn screening showed excellent test performance with zero false positives. No cases were detected, supporting a low incidence for this disorder. Given the low incremental costs and evidence of positive outcomes with early intervention, GAMT deficiency remains an excellent candidate for newborn screening.

Perspectives on Ease of Use and Value of a Self-Monitoring Application to Support Physical Activity Maintenance among Individuals Living with and beyond Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) can improve the physical and psychosocial health of individuals with cancer, yet PA levels remain low. Technology may address PA maintenance barriers in oncology, though the intervention effectiveness to date remains mixed. Qualitative research can reveal the nuances of using technology-based PA maintenance tools. The present study aimed to understand the perspectives of individuals with cancer on using an app to support PA maintenance. METHODS: Individuals were interviewed after using a self-monitoring app for 24 weeks, asking about their app use, ease of use, and perceived value for supporting PA. Analyses were guided by an interpretive description. RESULTS: Eighteen individuals were interviewed. The participants were 37-75 years old; lived in seven Canadian provinces/territories; identified as White, South Asian, or Indigenous; and had eight different cancers. Four themes were developed: some did not need the app to stay physically active, some valued the app for helping them maintain their PA, the user experience ranged from intuitive to confusing, and the time burden of app use ranged from acceptable to overwhelming. CONCLUSIONS: The participants provided insights on using a self-monitoring app to improve PA maintenance in oncology. Work is needed to capture additional perspectives and apply findings to the development of technology-based PA maintenance tools.

Effectiveness of a Self-Monitoring App in Supporting Physical Activity Maintenance Among Rural Canadians With Cancer After an Exercise Oncology Program: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA) for individuals with cancer, most remain insufficiently active. Exercise oncology interventions can improve PA levels. Individuals struggle to maintain PA levels after interventions because of persistent psychological and environmental PA barriers. Health technology (eHealth) may address some PA barriers and deliver effective, scalable PA interventions in oncology, yet its effectiveness for changing PA levels remains mixed. Using eHealth to support PA maintenance among rural populations with cancer, who may need greater PA support given lower PA levels and worse health outcomes, remains under-studied. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effectiveness of an app-based self-monitoring intervention in supporting PA maintenance among rural populations with cancer after a supervised web-based exercise oncology program. METHODS: This 2-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial was embedded within the Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) effectiveness-implementation study. Upon consent, participants were randomized 1:1 by EXCEL class clusters to the intervention (24 weeks of app-based PA self-monitoring) or waitlist control (app access after 24 weeks). Both groups completed a 12-week supervised web-based exercise oncology program followed by a 12-week self-directed PA maintenance period. Baseline demographics, eHealth literacy, and patient-reported outcomes were compared using chi-square and 2-tailed t tests. App use was measured throughout the intervention. The primary outcome-self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) minutes-and secondary outcomes-objective MVPA minutes and steps and app usability ratings-were collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Intervention effects on self-report MVPA maintenance were assessed via linear mixed modeling, with secondary outcomes explored descriptively. RESULTS: Of the 359 eligible EXCEL participants, 205 (57.1%) consented, 199 (55.4%; intervention: 106/199, 53.3%; control: 93/199, 46.7%) started the study, and 183 (51%; intervention: 100/183, 54.6%; control: 83/183, 45.4%) and 141 (39.3%; intervention: 69/141, 48.9%; control: 72/141, 51.1%) completed 12- and 24-week measures, respectively. Mean age was 57.3 (SD 11.5) years. Most participants were female (174/199, 87.4%), White (163/199, 81.9%), and diagnosed with breast cancer (108/199, 54.3%). Median baseline self-report weekly MVPA minutes were 60.0 (IQR 0-180) and 40.0 (IQR 0-135) for the intervention and waitlist control groups, respectively (P=.74). Median app use duration was 10.3 (IQR 1.3-23.9) weeks, with 9.6 (IQR 4.4-17.8) self-monitoring entries/week. Both groups increased their weekly MVPA minutes significantly at 12 weeks (P<.001) and maintained the increases at 24 weeks (P<.001), relative to baseline, with no between-group differences (P=.87). The intervention group had significantly higher step counts for 7 of the 12 weeks during the PA maintenance period (P=.048 to <.001). CONCLUSIONS: The app-based self-monitoring intervention did not improve MVPA maintenance but may have contributed to increased step counts during the PA maintenance period. More work is needed to realize the full potential of eHealth in exercise oncology. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04790578; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04790578. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2021.106474.

The online delivery of exercise oncology classes supported with health coaching: a parallel pilot randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The primary objective was to investigate the feasibility of a synchronous, online-delivered, group-based, supervised, exercise oncology maintenance program supported with health coaching. METHODS: Participants had previously completed a 12-week group-based exercise program. All participants received synchronous online delivered exercise maintenance classes, and half were block randomized to receive additional weekly health coaching calls. A class attendance rate of ≥ 70%, a health coaching completion rate of ≥ 80%, and an assessment completion rate of ≥ 70% were set as markers of feasibility. Additionally, recruitment rate, safety, and fidelity of the classes and health coaching calls were reported. Post-intervention interviews were performed to further understand the quantitative feasibility data. Two waves were conducted - as a result of initial COVID-19 delays, the first wave was 8 weeks long, and the second wave was 12 weeks long, as intended. RESULTS: Forty participants (n8WK = 25; n12WK = 15) enrolled in the study with 19 randomized to the health coaching group and 21 to the exercise only group. The recruitment rate (42.6%), attrition (2.5%), safety (no adverse events), and feasibility were confirmed for health coaching attendance (97%), health coaching fidelity (96.7%), class attendance (91.2%), class fidelity (92.6%), and assessment completion (questionnaire = 98.8%; physical functioning = 97.5%; Garmin wear-time = 83.4%). Interviews highlighted that convenience contributed to participant attendance, while the diminished ability to connect with other participants was voiced as a drawback compared to in-person delivery. CONCLUSION: The synchronous online delivery and assessment of an exercise oncology maintenance class with health coaching support was feasible for individuals living with and beyond cancer. Providing feasible, safe, and effective exercise online to individuals living with cancer may support increased accessibility. For example, online may provide an accessible alternative for those living in rural/remote locations as well as for those who may be immunocompromised and cannot attend in-person classes. Health coaching may additionally support individuals' behavior change to a healthier lifestyle. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered (NCT04751305) due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation that precipitated the rapid switch to online programming.

First-Year Implementation of the EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) Study: Building Networks to Support Rural and Remote Community Access to Exercise Oncology Resources.

Barriers to exercise-oncology programs remain for those living with and beyond cancer in rural and remote communities, including geographic isolation and access to programs. The EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) study was designed to support exercise-oncology implementation in rural and remote communities across Canada. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the first-year reach, adoption, and implementation of the EXCEL study. Reach outcomes included participant characteristics, study enrolment, and referral type (self vs. healthcare-provider [HCP] referral). Adoption outcomes included the number of clinical contacts, trained qualified exercise professionals (QEPs), and QEPs delivering EXCEL exercise classes. Implementation outcomes included retention, adherence, assessment completion rates, and adverse-event reporting. A total of 290 individuals living with cancer enrolled in EXCEL in year one, with an 81.4% retention to the study intervention. Most participants self-referred to EXCEL (75.8%). EXCEL's HCP network consisted of 163 clinical contacts, and the QEP network included 45 trained QEPs, 22 of whom delivered EXCEL classes. Adherence to the exercise intervention was 78.2%, and only one adverse event (mild) was reported. Fitness assessment and patient-reported outcome completion rates were above 85% pre- and post-intervention. EXCEL has developed HCP and QEP networks supporting exercise referral and online delivery, and the intervention is meeting feasibility markers. These implementation findings will inform the continued gathering of feedback across stakeholders to ensure that best evidence informs best practices.

Results From a Physical Activity Intervention Feasibility Study With Kidney Inpatients.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis are often physically inactive, resulting in reduced physical functioning, increased frailty, and reduced quality of life. Furthermore, extended hospital stays and frequent readmissions are common, exacerbating health care costs. Physical activity may improve physical functioning, disability, and frailty but is not part of standard care of patients requiring dialysis. Research is required to determine the feasibility of implementing physical function assessments and physical activity programs in kidney inpatients requiring dialysis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an early-physical activity intervention (Move More study) in the care of kidney inpatients requiring dialysis. It was hypothesized that the intervention would be feasible with regards to administration and participation, meeting a priori feasibility criteria, and that kidney inpatients would benefit from participating. DESIGN: Pilot study. SETTING: Patient Unit 37, Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, AB, Canada. PATIENTS: Kidney in-patients receiving dialysis. MEASUREMENTS: Feasibility data were collected for recruitment, participation, assessment completion, physical activity completion, and adverse events. Participant and healthcare practitioner (HCP) satisfaction with the intervention was assessed using a questionnaire. Frailty and physical function were assessed by the kinesiologist at baseline and postintervention prior to hospital discharge. METHODS: The study was a single-arm pilot intervention examining feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Kidney inpatients requiring dialysis were recruited to an individualized in-hospital physical activity intervention for the duration of their hospital stay. The intervention was led by a kinesiologist and supported by the clinical care team, including physiotherapists and nurse clinicians. Individualized exercise programs were created for patients to perform daily during their stay. These programs focused on strength, mobility, balance, and general movement and were tailored to each patient's needs. RESULTS: Thirty-six percent of eligible patients (n = 23/64) consented to participate in the Move More study, of whom 78% (n = 18/23) completed the intervention. The a priori level for consent to participate in the intervention was set at 60%. In addition, the a priori level for completion of assessments pre and postintervention was 50%. Ninety-five percent (n = 22/23) of preintervention assessments were completed compared to 65% of postintervention assessments. All participants who completed the survey (100%, n = 14/14) and most of the staff (77%, n = 24/31) reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the program. There were no adverse events related to the intervention. On average, Move More patients demonstrated improvements in frailty status and specific subsets of quality of life. LIMITATIONS: Firstly, as a feasibility study, the research was not powered to address the effectiveness of the intervention and lacked a comparison group to definitively link observed changes to the intervention itself. The voluntary nature of recruitment may have been biased toward ESKD inpatients with above-average motivation and baseline function. Furthermore, the small sample size from a single site limits the generalizability of findings. An additional limitation was the fact that postassessments were missed on a large number of patients, due to them being discharged prior to research staff knowing and being able to complete the assessments. Finally, studying the length of stay across the institution, as opposed to just the individual ward, would provide insight into hospitalization impact for these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of and participation in a physical activity intervention for kidney inpatients requiring dialysis was initially not feasible primarily due to low recruitment and adherence challenges. The study was modified by including a research team member on the unit to increase recruitment efforts and support exercise adherence. The intervention impact includes potentially benefits on frailty and quality of life.

CONTEXTE: Les personnes atteintes d'insuffisance rénale terminale (IRT) nécessitant une dialyze sont souvent inactives physiquement, ce qui entraîne une réduction du fonctionnement physique, une fragilité accrue et une diminution de la qualité de vie. De plus, les séjours prolongés à l'hôpital et les réadmissions fréquentes sont courants chez ces patients, ce qui accroît les coûts des soins de santé. L'activité physique peut améliorer le fonctionnement physique et réduire les incapacités et la fragilité, mais elle ne fait pas partie des soins courants prodigués aux patients nécessitant une dialyze. Des recherches sont nécessaires pour déterminer la faisabilité de la mise en œuvre d'évaluations du fonctionnement physique et de programs d'activité physique chez les patients hospitalisés atteints de néphropathie nécessitant une dialyze. OBJECTIFS: Évaluer la faisabilité et l'efficacité préliminaire d'une intervention précoce en matière d'activité physique (l'étude Move More) intégrée aux soins prodigués aux patients hospitalisés atteints d'insuffisance rénale et nécessitant une dialyze. L'hypothèse était que l'intervention serait réalisable en ce qui concerne l'administration et la participation, qu'elle répondrait aux critères de faisabilité a priori, et que les patients hospitalisés bénéficieraient d'une participation. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude pilote. CADRE: L'unité de soins 37 du Foothills Medical Center de Calgary (Alberta) au Canada. SUJETS: Des patients hospitalisés recevant des traitements de dialyze. MESURES: Les données de faisabilité ont été recueillies pour le recrutement, la participation, l'achèvement de l'évaluation, l'achèvement du program d'activité physique et les événements indésirables. La satisfaction des participants et des professionnels de la santé à l'égard de l'intervention a été évaluée à l'aide d'un questionnaire. La fragilité et les fonctions physiques ont été évaluées avant et après l'intervention, et avant la sortie de l'hôpital. MÉTHODOLOGIE: L'étude était une intervention pilote à bras unique examinant la faisabilité et l'efficacité préliminaire. Les patients hospitalisés atteints d'insuffisance rénale et nécessitant une dialyze ont été recrutés pour une intervention individualisée d'activité physique pendant toute la durée de leur séjour à l'hôpital. L'intervention était dirigée par un kinésiologue et appuyée par l'équipe de soins cliniques qui comprenait notamment des physiothérapeutes et des infirmières cliniciennes. Des programs d'activité physique individualisés ont été créés afin que les patients puissent s'exercer quotidiennement pendant leur séjour. Ces programs étaient axés sur la force, la mobilité, l'équilibre et le mouvement général, et étaient adaptés aux besoins de chaque patient. RÉSULTATS: Trente-six pour cent des patients admissibles (n=23/64) ont consenti à participer à l'étude Move More; de ceux-ci, 78 % (n=18/23) ont complété l'intervention. Le niveau a priori de consentement à participer à l'intervention a été fixé à 60 % et celui de l'achèvement des évaluations avant et après l'intervention à 50 %. Quatre-vingt-quinze pour cent (n=22/23) des évaluations pré-intervention ont été effectuées, comparativement à 65 % pour les évaluations postintervention. Tous les participants qui ont répondu au sondage (100 %; n=14/14) et la majorité du personnel (77 %; n=24/31) interrogé ont déclaré être satisfaits ou très satisfaits du program. Aucun événement indésirable lié à l'intervention n'a été signalé. En moyenne, les patients de Move More ont montré des améliorations de leur état de fragilité et de sous-ensembles propres à la qualité de vie. LIMITES: Puisqu'il s'agit d'une étude de faisabilité, la recherche n'avait pas la puissance nécessaire pour évaluer l'efficacité de l'intervention et ne disposait pas de groupe de comparaison permettant d'établir un lien définitif entre les changements observés et l'intervention elle-même. La nature volontaire du recrutement pourrait avoir favorisé les patients hospitalisés atteints d'IRT ayant une motivation et une fonction de base supérieures à la moyenne. L'échantillon de petite taille, provenant d'un seul site, limite la généralisabilité des résultats. De plus, les évaluations postintervention ont été manquées pour un grand nombre de patients, ceux-ci ayant obtenu leur congé avant que le personnel de recherche ait été avisé ou en mesure de compléter les évaluations. Enfin, le fait de connaître la durée du séjour dans l'ensemble de l'établissement, et non seulement dans chaque service permettrait de mieux comprendre l'impact de l'hospitalization pour ces patients. CONCLUSION: L'exécution d'une intervention d'activité physique et la participation des patients hospitalisés nécessitant une dialyze à une telle intervention n'étaient pas réalisables initialement, principalement en raison de difficultés liées au recrutement et à l'observance. L'étude a été modifiée pour intégrer un membre de l'équipe de recherche dans l'unité de soins afin d'accroître les efforts de recrutement et de soutenir l'observance du program d'exercices. L'impact de l'intervention comprend des avantages potentiels sur la fragilité et la qualité de vie.

Implementing an exercise oncology model to reach rural and remote individuals living with and beyond cancer: a hybrid effectiveness-implementation protocol for project EXCEL (EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well).

INTRODUCTION: Individuals living with and beyond cancer from rural and remote areas lack accessibility to supportive cancer care resources compared with those in urban areas. Exercise is an evidence-based intervention that is a safe and effective supportive cancer care resource, improving physical fitness and function, well-being and quality of life. Thus, it is imperative that exercise oncology programs are accessible for all individuals living with cancer, regardless of geographical location. To improve accessibility to exercise oncology programs, we have designed the EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) study. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: EXCEL is a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study. Exercise-based oncology knowledge from clinical exercise physiologists supports healthcare professionals and community-based qualified exercise professionals, facilitating exercise oncology education, referrals and programming. Recruitment began in September 2020 and will continue for 5 years with the goal to enroll ~1500 individuals from rural and remote areas. All tumour groups are eligible, and participants must be 18 years or older. Participants take part in a 12-week multimodal progressive exercise intervention currently being delivered online. The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework is used to determine the impact of EXCEL at participant and institutional levels. Physical activity, functional fitness and patient-reported outcomes are assessed at baseline and 12-week time points of the EXCEL exercise intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta. Our team will disseminate EXCEL information through quarterly newsletters to stakeholders, including participants, qualified exercise professionals, healthcare professionals and community networks. Ongoing outreach includes community presentations (eg, support groups, fitness companies) that provide study updates and exercise resources. Our team will publish manuscripts and present at conferences on EXCEL's ongoing implementation efforts across the 5-year study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04478851.

Current Evidence and Directions for Future Research in eHealth Physical Activity Interventions for Adults Affected by Cancer: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) interventions can increase PA and improve well-being among adults affected by cancer; however, most adults do not meet cancer-specific PA recommendations. Lack of time, facility access, and travel distances are barriers to participation in PA interventions. eHealth technologies may address some of these barriers, serving as a viable way to promote PA behavior change in this population. However, no review from July 2018 has synthesized available evidence across eHealth and cancer types or examined the use of behavioral theory and behavior change techniques (BCTs), leaving important gaps in knowledge. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide a comprehensive, updated overview of evidence on eHealth PA interventions for adults with cancer by describing the current state of the literature, exploring associations between intervention characteristics and effectiveness, and identifying future research needs. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SportDiscus, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched for eHealth PA interventions for adults affected by cancer. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate, with consultation from the senior author (NCR). BCT coding, risk of bias, and completeness of reporting were performed using standardized tools. Results were summarized via narrative synthesis and harvest plots. Weight analyses were conducted to explore the associations between intervention characteristics and effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 71 articles (67 studies) involving 6655 participants (mean age 56.7 years, SD 8.2) were included. Nearly 50% (32/67) of the articles were published after July 2018. Significant postintervention PA increases were noted in 52% (35/67) of the studies, and PA maintenance was noted in 41% (5/12) of the studies that included a follow-up. Study duration, primary objectives, and eHealth modality (eg, websites, activity trackers, and SMS text messaging) varied widely. Social cognitive theory (23/67, 34%) was the most used theory. The mean number of BCTs used across the studies was 13.5 (SD 5.5), with self-monitoring, credible sources, and goal setting being used in >90% of studies. Weight analyses showed the greatest associations between increased PA levels and PA as a primary outcome (0.621), interventions using websites (0.656) or mobile apps (0.563), interventions integrating multiple behavioral theories (0.750), and interventions using BCTs of problem solving (0.657) and action planning (0.645). All studies had concerns with high risk of bias, mostly because of the risk of confounding, measurement bias, and incomplete reporting. CONCLUSIONS: A range of eHealth PA interventions may increase PA levels among adults affected by cancer, and specific components (eg, websites, use of theory, and action planning) may be linked to greater effectiveness. However, more work is needed to ascertain and optimize effectiveness, measure long-term effects, and address concerns with bias and incomplete reporting. This evidence is required to support arguments for integrating eHealth within PA promotion in oncology.

A survey of technology literacy and use in cancer survivors from the Alberta Cancer Exercise program.

BACKGROUND: Supervised physical activity interventions can improve cancer survivor quality of life. However, they are resource intensive and may not support physical activity maintenance. Therefore, most cancer survivors remain inactive. Electronic health is a promising tool to support physical activity maintenance, yet technology-based physical activity interventions in oncology have shown mixed effectiveness. We surveyed cancer participants in the Alberta Cancer Exercise program to better understand their experience with technology. METHODS: Alberta Cancer Exercise participants were invited to complete a survey on technology literacy, usage, and perceived usefulness. Summary statistics were calculated for all variables. Multiple regression examined demographic prediction of technology usage and literacy. RESULTS: The response rate was 52.6% (n = 627/1191), with 93.3% survey completion (n = 585/627). Respondents were 60.6 ± 11.0 years old, 96.2% Caucasian, and of high socioeconomic status (83.3% with post-secondary education, 65.5% with income >$60,000). While electronic health literacy was low (mean 1.73 ± 0.73/4), computer (87.6%) and smartphone (87.5%) use was widespread, with 94.6% of smartphone users reporting daily use. One in two respondents used mobile applications or wearable trackers for physical activity, which were perceived as useful by >80% of users. Age and income were significant predictors of technology use and literacy. CONCLUSIONS: Technology is part of the lives of cancer survivors who engaged in a physical activity program, with mobile devices perceived as useful to support physical activity. However, the present findings highlight a need to increase electronic health literacy via education and tailoring of digital tools. These survey findings are being used to build our patient-centered, technology-supported physical activity interventions.

Protocol: A cluster randomized controlled trial of a mobile application to support physical activity maintenance after an exercise oncology program.

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE: Increasing physical activity (PA) among adults living with cancer is a public health priority, especially for those in remote/rural locations who have worse health outcomes and lower PA than urban populations. Mobile health technology may overcome barriers to PA participation and change PA behavior. However, few mobile health interventions have focused on sustaining PA long-term in remote/rural adults living with cancer. The present study will examine the effectiveness of a mobile health application to promote PA maintenance in remote/rural adults after completing an exercise oncology program. METHODS: The 24-week prospective 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial will be embedded within an exercise oncology program in in remote/rural Canada. Participants will be randomized by class cluster 1:1 to the intervention or EXCEL only control group. Both groups will participate in a supervised 12-week group-based exercise oncology program, followed by a 12-week PA maintenance period. The intervention group will use a mobile health application, Zamplo, to complete regular health check-ins and reflections via graphs for 24 weeks. Data will be collected at baseline, 4, 12, 24 weeks using surveys, activity tracking, and semi-structured interviews. Analyses will assess intervention effectiveness to promote PA maintenance and examine participant perspectives and use of Zamplo to support PA. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study will generate new knowledge on the potential of an mHealth app to promote PA maintenance in remote/rural adults living with cancer. It will inform the integration of mobile health resources within online-delivered exercise oncology programs, leading to sustainable long-term health benefits for this population.

A Physical Activity Intervention Feasibility Study for Kidney Inpatients: A Basic Research Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Low physical activity levels and poor physical functioning are strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes and mortality in adult kidney failure patients, regardless of treatment modality. Compared with the general population, individuals with chronic kidney disease are physically inactive, have reduced physical abilities and difficulties performing routine daily tasks, lower health-related quality of life, and higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, frail kidney failure patients have higher hospitalization and mortality rates as compared with other kidney failure patients. Evidence suggests that assessment and recommendations for physical activity should be part of standard care for kidney failure patients. Structured exercise can improve physical function and quality of life in frail older adults and may be used specifically for management of frailty in kidney failure. However, research is needed to determine best practices for implementation of physical function measurements and physical activity promotion in standard kidney failure care. OBJECTIVE: The proposed Move More study will assess the feasibility of a physical activity intervention offered to the kidney failure inpatients in Calgary, Alberta. Specifically, this study is designed to examine the effects of an early physical activity/mobility intervention led by a kinesiologist, and supported by the clinical care team including physiotherapists (PT) and nurse clinicians. METHODS: The Move More study is a single-arm pilot intervention examining feasibility and optimal improvement in real-world conditions. Kidney failure inpatients at the Foothills Medical Centre will be recruited to participate. Patients will receive an individualized in-hospital physical activity/mobility intervention. Frailty and physical function will be assessed at baseline and postintervention prior to hospital discharge. The goal is to recruit 24 to 36 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence needed to support the inclusion of mobility and physical activity as part of standard care will be gathered, with knowledge gained used to help direct future physical activity programming for kidney failure inpatients.

CONTEXTE: Un faible niveau d'activité physique et une santé physique hypothéquée sont fortement associés à de mauvais résultats cliniques et à la mortalité chez les adultes atteints d'insuffisance rénale terminale (IRT), quelle que soit la modalité de traitement. Comparativement à la population générale, les personnes atteintes d'IRT sont moins actives, ont des capacités physiques réduites, ont davantage de difficulté à accomplir leurs tâches quotidiennes, ont une plus faible qualité de vie liée à la santé, et présentent des taux plus élevés de morbidité et de mortalité associées aux maladies cardiovasculaires. Par ailleurs, les patients physiquement fragiles qui souffrent d'IRT présentent des taux d'hospitalisation et de mortalité plus élevés que les autres patients atteints d'IRT. Les données indiquent qu'une évaluation des fonctions physiques et des recommandations en matière d'activité physique devraient faire partie des soins courants prodigués aux patients souffrant d'IRT. Un programme d'exercice structuré est susceptible d'améliorer la santé physique et la qualité de vie des personnes âgées fragiles, et pourrait être utilisé précisément pour gérer la fragilité en contexte d'IRT. Des recherches sont cependant nécessaires pour cerner les meilleures pratiques à adopter pour mettre en œuvre des mesures évaluant la fonction physique et faire la promotion de l'activité physique dans le cadre des soins courants prodigués en contexte d'IRT. OBJECTIFS: L'étude Move More proposée évaluera la faisabilité d'une intervention favorisant l'activité physique qui sera offerte aux patients hospitalisés souffrant d'IRT à Calgary, en Alberta. Plus précisément, cette étude est conçue pour examiner les effets d'une intervention précoce en matière d'activité physique et de mobilité, dirigée par un kinésiologue et appuyée par une équipe de soins cliniques composée de physiothérapeutes (PT) et d'infirmières cliniciennes. MÉTHODOLOGIE: L'étude Move More est une intervention pilote à bras unique qui examinera la faisabilité et l'amélioration optimale en conditions réelles. Les patients avec IRT au centre médical Foothills seront recrutés pour participer à l'étude. Les patients bénéficieront d'un programme individualisé d'activité physique/mobilité à l'hôpital. La fragilité et les fonctions physiques seront évaluées avant et après l'intervention, avant la sortie de l'hôpital. L'objectif est de recruter entre 24 et 36 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Les preuves nécessaires pour appuyer l'inclusion d'une intervention visant la mobilité et l'activité physique aux soins courants seront rassemblées. Les connaissances acquises serviront à orienter de futurs programmes d'activité physique destinés aux patients hospitalisés souffrant d'IRT.

Physical Activity for Individuals Living with Advanced Cancer: Evidence and Recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: To provide health and fitness professionals with screening, triage, prescription, and physical activity recommendations to better serve individuals living with advanced cancer. A call to action regarding next steps to improve research and knowledge translation is also outlined, ensuring the growing number of those with advanced cancers are supported in their efforts to adopt and adhere to active lifestyles. DATA SOURCES: Sources include published literature, physical activity guidelines, and expert opinion from physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, exercise physiologists, and health and exercise psychology researchers. CONCLUSION: Individuals with advanced cancer who engage in regular physical activity report improved function, fatigue management, and quality of life, while objective testing shows improvements in fitness and physical function. Although there are no clear activity guidelines or recommendations for this population, patients must avoid inactivity to gain health benefits and minimize deconditioning. For most patients with advanced cancer, physical activity prescriptions should focus on maintaining fitness and functional independence, and specific modifications based on common comorbidities must be considered. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Evidence supports the use of physical activity for the management of symptoms experienced by those with advanced cancers. Understanding the benefits of physical activity for patients with advanced cancer is important because health care providers play a key role in the adoption and adherence of physical activity among patients.

Integrated Multianalyte Second-Tier Testing for Newborn Screening for MSUD, IVA, and GAMT Deficiencies

Abstract Advances in mass spectrometry have allowed for expansion of newborn screening test panels over the last decade but with increased numbers of disorders have come increased concerns with false-positive rates. The introduction of second-tier testing has improved the specificity of screening for a number of disorders without any corresponding sacrifice in sensitivity. Such testing does, however, put pressure on scarce laboratory resources including instrument and personnel time and even the bloodspot sample itself. The British Columbia Newborn Screening Program has developed an integrated second-tier screening approach to improve test performance without the requirement to resample and reprocess the original bloodspot specimen. By utilizing the residual extract from the first-tier assay and introducing a chromatography step as the second tier, we have been able to reduce false-positive rates due to interfering isobaric compounds for 3 different disorders (maple syrup urine disease, isovaleric aciduria, and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase) in a single multianalyte assay.