Tai-Chi and aerobic exercise for emotional support in late-stage lung cancer patients

Tai-Chi and Aerobic Exercise to Improve Emotional Symptom Cluster in Late-stage Lung Cancer Patients

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT05778708

This study is testing whether Tai-Chi or aerobic exercise can help improve emotional well-being in patients with late-stage lung cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment318 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05778708 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of Tai-Chi and aerobic exercise on emotional symptoms in patients with late-stage lung cancer. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving Tai-Chi, another engaging in aerobic exercise, and a self-management control group. Both exercise groups will attend classes twice a week for 16 weeks, while the control group will receive written activity recommendations. The study will assess emotional symptom clusters, including anxiety and depression, at multiple time points to determine the effectiveness of the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer who experience emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that hinder exercise performance or those currently engaged in other exercise programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve emotional well-being and quality of life for patients with late-stage lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions for emotional support in cancer patients, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosed with stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer confirmed by pathology, with no other cancer diagnosis within the previous year;
* a current Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 0-2;
* experience of sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in the past week (rating of 1 or more on a 0-10 numeric rating scale \[NRS\] for each symptom);
* able to communicate in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English;
* conscious and alert

Exclusion Criteria:

* suffering from a condition that hinders exercise performance (e.g., active neurological disorder, recent heart attack);
* currently participating in any other exercise or mind-body classes; or 3) performing regular exercises, defined as at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 Advanced Lung Non-Small Cell Carcinoma
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.