Partnered Exercise to Support Couples During Cancer Radiation Treatment
A dyadic exercise approach to prevent declines in physical and mental health in couples during radiation treatment for cancer: a hybrid type I efficacy-implementation trial
This program helps couples facing breast or prostate cancer stay active together during radiation treatment to support their physical and mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127534 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When one partner has breast or prostate cancer, both individuals often experience challenges to their physical and mental health. This program offers a unique approach by adapting exercise into a partnered activity, helping couples work as a team to improve their health together. We believe that starting this program early, during radiation treatment, can help lessen the impact of cancer and its treatment on both the patient and their spouse. The goal is to see if this partnered exercise can improve physical and mental health for both individuals and strengthen their relationship during a difficult time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are married couples where one partner is undergoing radiation treatment for newly diagnosed breast or prostate cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who are not married or whose partners are unable to participate in exercise may not receive direct benefit from this specific dyadic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could offer a new way for couples to maintain their physical and mental health and strengthen their relationship while undergoing cancer treatment.
How similar studies have performed: A pilot program showed that partnered exercise improved physical and mental health in prostate cancer survivors and their spouses long after diagnosis, and preliminary data suggests benefits during radiation treatment as well.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winters-Stone, Kerri M — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Winters-Stone, Kerri M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.