Overview
The goal of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an exercise intervention for patients undergoing thoracic radiation and their family caregivers.
Description
Primary Objectives:
- Examine the feasibility and acceptability of an exercise program
- Examine an initial sign for intervention efficacy by examining pre/post-test scores for patients' objective physical function and patient and caregiver subjective physical and mental quality of life.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Be diagnosed with a non-small cell lung cancer or esophageal cancer and going to receive at least 24 fractions thoracic RT
- Have an ECOG performance status of ≤2
- Have a family caregiver (e.g., spouse, sibling, adult child) willing and able (self-identified) to participate in the exercise program
Both patient and caregiver must meet all the following criteria:
- Be ≥18 years old
- Be able to read and speak English
- Be able to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- A patient who meets the following criteria will be excluded from participating in this study:
- Cognitive deficits noted in the medical records and/or cognitive deficits that would impede the completion of self-report instruments as deemed by the patient's attending radiation oncologist.
- Experiences contraindications to exercise as determined by the clinical team
- Regularly (self-defined) participates in an exercise program in the year prior to diagnosis
A patient and caregiver who is pregnant (medical notes and/or self-identified, respectively) will be excluded.