Developing and validating the EFT self-assessment tool for adolescents with cancer
Development and Validation of the Exercise Fit Test (EFT) for Adolescents With Cancer
This project will test whether the EFT, a self-assessment tool, helps adolescents with cancer choose safe and appropriate levels of physical activity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong,China) |
| Trial ID | NCT05304988 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
A cross-sectional design will recruit a convenience sample of 400 adolescents aged 13–18 with a cancer diagnosis at Hong Kong Children's Hospital. Participants who speak Cantonese and can read Chinese will complete demographic questionnaires, pain scores, cardiopulmonary function measurements, and the EFT self-assessment. Physiotherapists will independently rate each participant's fitness for physical activity to provide a comparison standard. The study aims to validate the EFT by comparing its scores with objective tests and clinician ratings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Cantonese-speaking adolescents aged 13–18 with a cancer diagnosis who can read Chinese, have no major physical or cognitive impairments, and are not currently medically restricted from activity.
Not a fit: Patients with significant physical or cognitive impairments, those advised against physical activity by clinicians, or those who cannot read Chinese or communicate in Cantonese are unlikely to benefit from this tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the EFT could let teens with cancer independently pick activity levels that match their current condition and help them stay active after formal programs end.
How similar studies have performed: Prior interventions have temporarily increased activity in adolescents with cancer but tools for patient self-assessment like the EFT are novel and have not been widely tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 13-18 * are diagnosed with cancer * are able to communicate in Cantonese and read Chinese Exclusion Criteria: Those with physical or cognitive impairments and learning problems, as identified from the medical records, were excluded. Also, those with medical advice that physical activity was not recommended or with detailed exercise prescriptions from physicians or physiotherapists during recruitment were excluded.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong,China
- Katherine Lam — Hong Kong, Hong Kong,China, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine Lam, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Katherine Lam, PhD
- Email: kwkatlam@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 27666420
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.