Community engaged approach to increase physical activity among Black individuals with colorectal cancer: Design of the Physical Activity Centers Empowerment (PACE) feasibility randomized controlled trial (Preprint)

Abstract

Background: Black individuals are more likely to die from colorectal cancer (CRC) and experience more treatment-related side effects compared to White individuals. Physical activity (PA) has been associated with decreased side effects, improved CRC treatment completion rates and responses, and survival. However, Black survivors of CRC are 60% less likely to engage in PA than White survivors. The Physical Activity Centers Empowerment (PACE) study is testing an intervention specifically designed to increase PA among Black individuals diagnosed with CRC. Objective: This study outlines the protocol for a randomized controlled trial. The study aims to test the feasibility of PACE and will use the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Methods: The PACE study was developed in partnership with a community advisory board consisting of Black cancer advocates and survivors of cancer. The study aims to recruit 72 participants aged >18 years from North Carolina who have been diagnosed with CRC. These participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention or control group. During the 12-week intervention, all participants will receive a wearable activity tracker and informational materials from the American College of Sports Medicine’s “Moving through Cancer” program. The intervention group will also receive additional PACE theory–guided intervention components, including personalized daily adaptive step goals, access to the PACE video library, and optional video chat meetings for PA support. Data will be collected at 3 time points: baseline, after the intervention (3 months), and 6 months after the intervention (9 months). Using the RE-AIM framework, the study aims to evaluate the intervention’s reach, effectiveness, acceptability, implementation, and maintenance. Results: The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities funded this study in 2021. Study enrollment began in August 2024 and is anticipated to conclude in December 2024. Conclusions: This study will advance our understanding of effective behavioral strategies to increase PA and help advance the use of PA as a form of complementary cancer treatment, with the aim of improving health outcomes for Black survivors of CRC.