Timing smartphone messages to boost activity for older cancer survivors with chronic pain
An Adaptive Design for Dosing Physical Activity Among Older Cancer Survivors Who Experience Chronic Pain: a Micro-randomized Trial
NA · Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT07227077
This study tests whether sending short smartphone messages at certain times can increase physical activity in older cancer survivors with chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07227077 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This micro-randomized intervention repeatedly randomizes whether and when participants receive brief messages aimed at prompting physical activity, then measures activity in the hour after each prompt. Eligible participants are adults aged 65 and older with a non‑metastatic cancer history who use a smartphone and report chronic pain. Activity is monitored via smartphone or wearable data to estimate the probability of movement following prompts, while a secondary, exploratory outcome tracks the probability of a pain episode in the 24 hours after a message. The design aims to identify the optimal states and timing for delivering prompts to increase short‑term activity without increasing pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 65 or older who are non‑metastatic cancer survivors (examples in the protocol include breast, colorectal, bladder, cervical, endometrial, lung, or prostate), who speak English, have chronic pain, and own a smartphone are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease or active recurrence, those without smartphone access or the ability to consent, and survivors with severe mobility limitations may not receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could identify the best moments to prompt movement so survivors increase activity more reliably and with less added pain, improving daily function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous message‑based and wearable‑supported programs have shown modest short‑term increases in physical activity, but applying micro‑randomized timing specifically in older cancer survivors with chronic pain is relatively novel and pain effects are not yet established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age greater than or equal to 65 years. 2. Patients with a history of bladder, breast, cervical, colorectal, endometrial, lung, and prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. 3. Fluent in spoken and written English. 4. Patient has access to smartphone 5. Ability to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patient has metastatic disease. 2. Patient has cancer recurrence.
Where this trial is running
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Froedtert Hospital — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kelly Clohesey Clinical Research Coordinator, MOT
- Email: kclohesey@mcw.edu
- Phone: 4149554099
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Physical Activity