Patient-tailored physical activity plan for older women with gynecologic cancer during chemotherapy
Official title: PATIENT-TAILORED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION AMONG OLDER WOMEN WITH GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY (FIT4TREATMENT)
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11324527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A remotely delivered, personalized 12-week physical activity program helps older women undergoing chemotherapy feel stronger and maintain daily function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $716,390 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081291-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older women with gynecologic cancer who are receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and can use mobile health tools.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to mobile devices or who cannot participate in remotely delivered programs may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops an mHealth-based physical activity program for older women with gynecologic cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. Using a multi-phase optimization strategy, participants will be randomly assigned to different combinations of program components to see which parts best boost physical activity and maintain it after the intervention. The study emphasizes accessibility, accommodating symptom-related fluctuations, and leveraging mobile technology to support activity at home. Results will inform which elements are most helpful to reduce frailty and improve quality of life during treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help patients stay more active, feel better, and maintain independence during chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior similar approaches show that tailored, remotely delivered activity programs can increase physical activity in older adults and cancer patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barber, Emma — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Barber, Emma
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Tailored physical activity program for older women with gynecologic cancers undergoing chemotherapy
This study is testing a helpful mobile program called Fit4Treatment that aims to encourage older women with gynecologic cancers who are going through chemotherapy to be more active and improve their quality of life, all while providing personalized exercise plans that fit their needs.
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This grant studies how ovarian cancer might come back after chemotherapy by looking at specific signaling pathways in cancer cells and the tumor environment.
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.