Physical activity intervention co-created and pilot tested with African American Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Project Summary/Abstract The long-term objective of this research is to improve physical activity among populations experiencing cancer disparities. The goal of this training award is to: (1) deliver a multicomponent, culturally-targeted, technology- delivered, scalable intervention to increase physical activity among African American colorectal cancer survivors; while advancing the development of a new investigator, with a program of research focused on increasing physical activity and decreasing cancer disparities. Specific aims are to: (1) co-create, with AA CRC survivors who engaged in physical activity throughout cancer treatment, culturally targeted narrative videos to increase physical activity knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, habits and enjoyment; (2) pilot test the intervention to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance and; and (3) measure outcomes at baseline, 3- and 9-months post baseline. Outcomes include: psychosocial constructs related to physical activity engagement (knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, enjoyment, habits); physical activity (average daily steps, weekly minutes of moderate-vigorous intensity activity); symptoms (pain, fatigue, depression, bowel dysfunction); and inflammation biomarkers that may explain the pathways through which physical activity impacts cancer outcomes. First, a qualitative exploratory approach will be used to interview 20 African American colorectal cancer survivors. Together with a subset of interested participants a multi-component intervention to increase physical activity among African American colorectal cancer survivors will be created. Next, an additional 72 participants will be recruited to conduct a pilot two-group, randomized repeated measures study to assess Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE- AIM) of the intervention. Feasibility of collecting survey and biomarker data at baseline, 3 and 9 months later will be assessed. These timepoints will facilitate exploration of changes pre- and post-intervention, and to determine if effects are maintained 6 months after completing the intervention and chemotherapy. Time since last chemotherapy will be controlled for in all analyses to account for variations in treatment schedules.