Helping cancer survivors develop lasting exercise habits
Official title: Making Healthy Habits Stick: Extended Contact Interventions to Promote Long-Term Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors
Run by University of Tennessee · NCT06745180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing different ways, like text messages and peer support, to help Black women who survived cancer stay active and build lasting exercise habits.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 260 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Tennessee Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06745180 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 19 or older, who identify as African American or Black, have a history of cancer, and have completed their primary cancer treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not identify as African American or Black or those who require assistance to ambulate may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to increase physical activity maintenance among cancer survivors, particularly African American or Black women who face health disparities. The study evaluates innovative interventions, including text messaging, peer coaching, and a combination of both, to help participants overcome barriers to exercise and establish sustainable habits. Participants will engage in regular exercise sessions and receive support through various methods to foster a physically active mindset.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the long-term health and quality of life for cancer survivors by promoting sustained physical activity.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using similar interventions to promote physical activity among cancer survivors, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * woman age of 19 or older * identifies as African American or Black * have a history of cancer * have completed post-primary treatment for cancer (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation) * agree to allow research team to confirm cancer diagnosis with your physician * If received surgery, must be at least 8 weeks post-surgery * willing to have regular physician provide medical clearance for study participation * willing to provide home address if qualified for the study * willing and able to use videoconference platform such as Zoom for study activities (must be both willing and able) * willing and able to send and/or receive text messages (must be both willing and able) * has US phone number * has an email address * if has no email address, must be willing to create one * English speaking * Able to ambulate without assistance (does not need to use a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair) * willing and able to complete 3-5 exercise session per week on their own for the duration of the study; if answered no, please explain * willing to attend individual and group sessions via videoconferences during study participation; if answered no, please explain. * willing to attend assessments via videoconference during study participation; if answered no, please explain. * willing to complete surveys during study participation; if answered no, please explain. Exclusion Criteria: * Metastatic or recurrent cancer * another cancer diagnosis in the past 5 years (not including skin or cervical cancer in situ) * have severe orthopedic, joints or any other condition that stops individual from being active * unstable angina * have paint, tightness, or heaviness in chest EITHER when resting OR then physically active * have New York Heart Association class II, III, OR IV congestive heart failure * blood pressure has been over 160/100 at least twice in the past 6 months (either number; 160 or 100) * have uncontrolled asthma * have interstitial lung disease that requires extra oxygen * have dementia or organize brain syndrome * have schizophrenia or active psychosis * have had a stroke or other problem that left individual disables or with paralysis (unable to move or feel any part of body) * have hearing problems that make it hard to carry on a phone conversation * blind or partially blind * planned surgery during the first 6 month of study participation (if unapproved by PI) * planned knee or hip surgery during the first 6 month of study participation * anticipate changes in usual medications during the first 6 months of study participation (if unapproved by PI) * have been told by a physician to only do exercise prescribed by a physician * have been told by a physician to limit physical activity * have a contraindication to engaging in moderate intensity aerobic exercise * have completed on average, more than 90 min/week of moderate-intensity or more that 30 min/week of vigorous exercise in the past 6 months * trouble with balance or moving around safely * are currently pregnant or anticipate pregnant during study participation * currently participating in another exercise study * have BMI ≥ 50
Where it's running
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting -
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michelle Martin, PhD — University of Tennessee
- Study coordinator: Michelle Martin, PhD
- Email: mmart126@uthsc.edu
- Phone: 901-448-2383
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.