About the Project
The benefits of physical activity (PA) for adult cancer survivors is compelling, with improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, quality of life and reductions in anxiety, depression and feelings of isolation all being reported (Schmitz et al. 2010). Epidemiological studies indicate that PA post diagnosis may be protective in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence (Holmes et al. 2005). Furthermore, staying active may ameliorate long term deleterious side effects of cancer treatment, such as unhealthy changes in body composition and bone density (Hojan et al. 2013; Almstedt et al. 2016).
Despite the convincing evidence on the physical and psychological benefits of exercise for adults living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis, there is limited research on physical activity for teenagers and young adult (TYA) cancer patients and survivors. Each year in the UK, there are approximately 2,630 young people (aged 15-24 years) diagnosed with cancer (CRUK, 2014). Statistics show that since the 1970s, one-year survival has increased by 11% (from 81% to 92%) and five-year survival has increased by 19% (from 60% to 79%). With such a good prognosis, it is important to assist teenage and young adult (TYA) cancer survivors to maintain or return to a normal functional healthy lifestyle.
The availability of health-associated technologies to consumers (such as wearable sensors, smart devices and mobile applications) has risen dramatically in recent years. These technologies are being increasingly used to target health behaviours in different populations, however, to date little is known about how best to utilize such technologies in the TYA cancer population.
This PhD project will focus on the development of a digital behaviour change intervention targeting PA levels in TYA cancer survivors. The final design of the research programme will be dependent on the strengths and interests of the doctoral student however, it is anticipated that the following objectives will be addressed:
1.Establish potential technology-supported strategies to facilitate and support physical activity participation for TYA cancer survivors
2.Co-create a digital behaviour change intervention targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviour with, and for, TYA cancer survivors
3.Conduct a feasibility trial of the developed intervention
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in physical activity and health, exercise science, psychology or related subject with a good fundamental knowledge of exercise science and physical activity behaviour change.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental intervention development processes
• Competent in physical activity measurement and data analysis
• Knowledge of the health effects of physical activity in the cancer population
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management
Desirable attributes:
Previous experience working with cancer patients and survivors and knowledge of behaviour change theory.
When applying for this position please quote project code SAS0033
References
Schmitz KH, Courneya KS, Matthews C, Demark-Wahnefried W, Galvão DA, Pinto BM,
Irwin ML, Wolin KY, Segal RJ, Lucia A, Schneider CM, von Gruenigen VE, Schwartz AL. American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable on Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors. Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2010;42(7):1409-26.
Holmes MD, Chen WY, Feskanich D, Kroenke CH, Colditz GA. Physical activity and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. JAMA. 2005;293(20):2479-86.
Hojan K, Molińska-Glura M, Milecki P. Physical activity and body composition, body physique, and quality of life in premenopausal breast cancer patients during endocrine therapy – a feasibility study. Acta Oncol. 2013;52(2):319-26.
Almstedt HC, Grote S, Korte JR, Perez Beaudion S, Shoepe TC, Strand S, Tarleton HP. Combined aerobic and resistance training improves bone health of female cancer survivors. Bone Reports. 2016;5:274-9.
Cancer Research UK. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/young-peoples-cancers/, Accessed [August, 2018]