Effects of aerobic exercise on muscle changes in colorectal cancer survivors

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Skeletal Muscle Remodeling in Colorectal Cancer

Not applicable Interventional AdventHealth Translational Research Institute · NCT05789433

This study tests if doing aerobic exercise can help improve muscle health in people who have survived colorectal cancer compared to those who are not exercising.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAdventHealth Translational Research Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Orlando, Florida)
Trial IDNCT05789433 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to assess how aerobic exercise training influences intermuscular adipose tissue in survivors of colorectal cancer compared to a control group receiving attention. Participants will engage in structured aerobic exercise and progressive stretching, with eligibility criteria ensuring they have completed necessary cancer treatments and are ready to exercise. The study will measure changes in muscle composition and overall health outcomes in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have completed treatment for stage I, II, or III colorectal cancer and engage in limited physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer or those currently undergoing treatment for other cancers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance recovery and improve muscle health in colorectal cancer survivors through structured exercise.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in cancer recovery, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Histologically confirmed stage I, II, or III colon or rectal cancer
* Completed surgical resection with curative intent
* Completed other cancer-directed treatments
* Engage in \<150 minutes per week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity structured endurance exercise
* No planned major surgery during the study period
* Readiness to exercise, as determined by a modified version of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
* Ability to provide written informed consent
* Provide written approval by a qualified healthcare professional
* Willing to be randomized

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer
* Concurrently actively treated other (non-colorectal) cancer
* Scheduled to receive other postoperative cancer-directed treatment(s)
* Currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant within the next 24 weeks
* Currently participating in another study with competing outcomes
* Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging
* Any dietary condition or restriction that would limit tolerance of a mixed meal challenge
* Any other cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopedic, neurologic, psychiatric, or other condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would preclude participation or successful compliance with the protocol
* Any other situation that, in the opinion of the investigator, would negatively impact subject safety or successful compliance with the protocol

Where this trial is running

Orlando, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colonic NeoplasmsRectal Neoplasms
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.