Latinas Integrating Fitness and Therapy

Purpose

Investigators are studying how combining a stepped-care mental health counseling program with an evidence-based exercise program can help Latina cancer survivors feel better mentally and physically. The goal is to improve stress, emotions, and physical activity during and after cancer treatment. In addition, investigators will examine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention among Latina cancer survivors.

Conditions

  • Stepped Care Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Exercise
  • Physical Activity
  • Anxiety Depression

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Sex
Female
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  1. ) currently undergoing or within 6-months of completing primary cancer(s) (2) self-identify as Latina and female, (3) over the age of 18 years, (4) reside in Colorado, (4) have access to internet, and be (5) English or Spanish speaking.

Exclusion Criteria

(1) metastatic disease, (2) known contraindications for exercise (e.g. existing CVD or metabolic disease, use of an assistive-walking device, severe ataxia, etc.), (3) part of a vulnerable population (pregnant, homeless, in prison, have auditory impairment), and (4) currently participating in mental health counseling with a licensed professional and/or a structured exercise program.

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Supportive Care
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Combining exercise program and stepped-care counseling
Investigators are offering Latinas who have cancer a combination of an exercise program and mental health that will take place online. All participants will receive an 8 week evidence-based exercise program. In addition, Latinas with cancer will take a survey on depression and anxiety to determine which level of mental counseling they will receive. They will take surveys at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks to see if their levels of depression and anxiety have changed. If their symptoms increase they will receive more counseling sessions.
  • Behavioral: Stepped Care Mental Health Counseling
    Counseling Sessions: Everyone will have one orientation session with a counselor to learn about the study. After that, based on their levels of anxiety and depression, they may get between 1 and 7 counseling sessions. Milder levels of depression and anxiety will receive fewer sessions. The counseling sessions can include a self-help guide, coping strategies, self-help tips, and a type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is specially adapted for Latina cancer survivors. The counseling sessions will take place online via zoom.
    Other names:
    • AYUDA
  • Behavioral: Exercise Program
    The exercise program consists of easy to moderate aerobic and resistance training and discussions about staying active. These sessions will take place in your home, on zoom, led by a qualified exercise professional, and may be held in a group with other Latina cancer survivors. They will receive exercise equipment to use during the study and keep after the study ends. Exercise sessions are once per week for about an hour, and the discussion sessions take place before or after three of these sessions, and last about 30-45 minutes. If they miss a session or want to review, they will have access to recorded videos.
    Other names:
    • FitCancer

Recruiting Locations

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Colorado State University

Study Contact

Jessica Gonzalez-Voller, Ph.D
970-491-6289
JESSICA.GONZALEZ2@COLOSTATE.EDU

Detailed Description

This study will be 10 weeks and offered online via Zoom. Participants can choose for their exercise and counseling sessions and materials to be in English or Spanish. If participants join they will: (1) Complete surveys at the beginning, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks. These may consist of questions asking about levels of anxiety and depression, physical activity, and quality of life. (2) At week 1 and week 10, be asked to complete assessments of physical ability, which include muscular endurance and balance. (3) Participate in an 8-week evidence-based exercise program, which includes: one-hour exercise session 1 time per week and three, 30-minute discussion sessions to help them stay active after the study ends. (4) Receive one orientation meeting the counselor and up to seven one-hour individual counseling sessions with a counselor who will be supervised by a licensed therapist. The number of counseling sessions received will depend on their feelings or symptoms of anxiety or depression. If these symptoms are mild, they will receive fewer sessions. Counseling session will last approximately 1-hour and be online. (5) Counseling, exercise, and discussion sessions will be recorded for training purposes, but will keep identities private. (6) The total time commitment will be between 1-3 hours per week, for 8-weeks.