Can couples who exercise together stay stronger through radiation?
NCT ID NCT06049355
First seen Oct 13, 2026 · Last updated Oct 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are testing a supervised online exercise program called Exercising Together for couples where one partner receives radiation treatment for breast or prostate cancer. The program adds communication and mutual support to standard physical training. The trial measures whether this approach helps couples maintain physical function and reduce anxiety, fatigue, and relationship strain during treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a supervised online group exercise program for couples called Exercising Together
- What this could lead to
- If it works, couples facing radiation treatment could have a structured, low-cost way to stay physically active and support each other emotionally. It could also become a model for pairing partners in rehabilitation during cancer care.
- What could go wrong
- This is a phase II trial, so it tests whether the program helps, not whether it cures cancer. Exercise programs do not suit everyone, and couples dealing with fatigue, pain, or scheduling conflicts may struggle to take part consistently.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 400 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * INTERVENTION (SURVIVORS) INCLUSION * Histologically confirmed prostate cancer or breast cancer without evidence of metastatic disease * Confirmed by review of the electronic medical record (EMR) and subsequently recorded in Survivor Health History. In cases where the EMR isn't clear, their Oregon Health \& Science University (OHSU) provider will be contacted for confirmation. For non-OHSU patients, we'll initially collect their cancer health history by a self-report questionnaire and confirm when we receive the survivor's outside medical record (through a signed Release of Information) * Scheduled to receive radiation therapy for curative intent * Confirmed by review of the EMR and subsequently recorded in Survivor Health History. In cases where the EMR isn't clear, their OHSU provider will be contacted for confirmation/ For non-OHSU patients, we'll initially collect their cancer health history by a self-report questionnaire and confirm when we receive the survivor's outside medical record (through a signed Release of Information) • Completed surgery \>= 6 weeks prior to enrollment and no concurrent adjuvant therapy other than ADT for prostate cancer or hormone therapy for breast cancer * Confirmed by self-report on the Health History Questionnaire (HHQ). If unknown, the participant's healthcare provider will be contacted for confirmation * Co-residing with an intimate partner or spouse who is willing to participate * Confirmed by self-report on the Demographic Questionnaire * INTERVENTION (SURVIVORS AND PARTNERS) INCLUSION * 18 years of age and older * For survivors: confirmed by review of the date of birth as documented in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and subsequently recorded in Survivor Health History. For non-OHSU patients, we'll collect their age by self-report on the Survivor Health History * For partners: confirmed by self-report on the Health History Questionnaire * \< 2 structured strength training sessions for less than 30 minutes per week in the last month * Confirmed by self-report on Health History Questionnaire * Home internet sufficient for videoconferencing * Confirmed by staff review of Internet Connectivity Screening Guide with the participants and outcome recorded in a CRF * Signed informed consent * Confirmed by completion of e-Consent in REDCap * Willing to be randomized into either study arm and adhere to study protocol * Confirmed verbally with the participant and response documented in the Participant Tracking database * IMPLEMENTATION INCLUSION * Be one of these key stakeholders: patient, spouse/partner, healthcare providers, or administrator * Verbal informed consent following receipt of an Information Sheet Exclusion Criteria: * INTERVENTION (SURVIVORS AND PARTNERS) EXCLUSION * Cognitive difficulties that preclude answering the survey questions, participating in the exercise classes or performance tests, or providing informed consent * In the event of a suspected undeclared cognitive impairment, it will be confirmed by physician clearance or professional opinion of the Principal Investigator, Kerri Winters-Stone * A medical condition, movement or neurological disorder, or medication use that contraindicates participation in moderate intensity exercise. Specific contraindications include the following: poorly controlled diabetes, recent cardiac event, neuromuscular disease, untreated orthostatic hypertension, recent surgery, acute hernia, acute rheumatoid arthritis, severe memory disorders, severe balance disorder, inability to ambulate without a walker or wheelchair, inability to stand for 3 minutes, severe hearing or vision problem * Confirmed by a combination of reviewing the EMR, self-report on the Health History Questionnaire, Charlson Comorbidity Index questionnaire, and/or by physician clearance. If in the professional opinion of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Kerri Winters-Stone, contraindications other than those identified by the patient or physician are present, she may consider the participant ineligible. For Spouse/Partner: must answer 'No'; to American College of Sports Medicine pre-participation screening questions. If spouse/partner answers 'Yes'; to either question they may be required to obtain physician clearance prior to becoming eligible. Physician clearance may also be requested at the discretion of the principal investigator. • Not fluent in English and therefore incapable of answer survey questions, following directions during exercise or performance testing, and providing informed consent in English * Confirmed by staff interaction and/or the professional opinion of the Principal Investigators, Dr. Kerri Winters-Stone
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
RECRUITINGPortland, Oregon, 97239, United States
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