Step Up: A blended coaching program to help stem cell transplant patients be active
Official title: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Hybrid-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Symptom Management and Activity Coaching Intervention for Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11400068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A walking-and-skills program using coaching and a mobile app helps stem cell transplant patients cope with symptoms so they can be more active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,992,570 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA291888-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and are transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not able to participate due to severe cognitive or hearing impairments or lack of access to required technology may receive less benefit.
What this research studies
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients often struggle with symptoms like fatigue and pain that limit activity. This project tests a hybrid approach combining in-person coping skills training with mobile app support to guide daily activity coaching after transplant. Participants receive one in-person session and two coaching visits during hospital care, followed by four video sessions after discharge to reinforce coping and activity goals. The goal is to improve physical disability and everyday activity by making symptom management and activity planning easier and more effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less symptom burden and greater ability to stay active after transplant.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed the program is feasible and acceptable with signals of benefit in a prior study, justifying a full randomized trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelleher, Sarah — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kelleher, Sarah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SHIFT: A digital tool to help stem cell transplant survivors feel better sexually and emotionally
A new digital app called SHIFT will be tested to help hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors improve sexual health, quality of life, and psychological well-being.
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Hybrid app plus coaching to help stem cell transplant patients manage symptoms and stay active
This program uses a brief in-person visit, video coaching, and a smartphone app to help people who had a hematopoietic stem cell transplant manage fatigue, pain, and distress so they can safely increase daily activity.
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SHIFT: A Digital App for Stem Cell Transplant Survivors
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This study is testing a new app called SHIFT to help people who have had stem cell transplants improve their sexual health and overall well-being, making it easier for them to manage common issues like sexual dysfunction.
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Improving symptom management and physical activity for stem cell transplant patients
This study is testing a new program called Step Up to help people who have had a stem cell transplant feel better and get moving again by combining in-person support and mobile health tools, so they can better manage symptoms like fatigue and pain.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for insomnia phenotypes with high blood pressure
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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.