Research Projects
We are on a mission to revolutionize cancer care by making exercise a part of standard oncology care. Our vision is to optimize the use of exercise in cancer management and recovery. Through our research projects, we explore various aspects such as:
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Prehabilitation
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Recovery
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Reducing treatment side-effects
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Survival
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Additionally, we focus on the adoption and maintenance of exercise across the cancer continuum, aiming to create sustainability within the community.
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Join us in our pursuit of enhancing the physical well-being of individuals affected by cancer through the power of exercise.
Not sure which program is for you? Contact us for more information and guidance.
​What is ACCESS?
ACCESS is a 12-week exercise program designed to lessen the impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment(s) on the health and well-being of individuals with the disease.
What is the purpose of the study?
The primary purpose of this project is to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a clinic -to-community-based cancer and exercise model of care.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for this study, participants must:
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Have had a diagnosis of cancer;
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Be 18 years of age or older;
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Be waiting for treatment, on treatment, or within 5 years* of completing treatment; and
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Reside in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
What will I be asked to do if I decide to participate?​
If you agree to take part in the study, you will undergo a screening and fitness assessment to determine the most suitable exercise program for you. Exercise programming will occur twice per week for a 12 week period. The exercise program will be tailored to your individual needs and goals. At the end of the exercise program, you will be asked to complete another assessment.
​What is EXCEL?
EXCEL is a 12 -week exercise program designed to reduce treatment-related side effects, diminish depression, improve quality of life, and improve daily function.
What is the purpose of the study?
The primary purpose of this project is to implement exercise programs for all Canadians living with and beyond cancer in rural and remote areas.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for this study, participants must:
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Be 18 years of age or older; and
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Have had a diagnosis of cancer within the past three years;
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Be waiting for treatment, on treatment, or within 3 years* of completing treatment; and
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Live anywhere within the Atlantic Provinces. (Contact us for options outside of Atlantic Canada)
What will I be asked to do if I decide to participate?​
If you agree to take part in the study, you will undergo a screening and complete a survey and a fitness assessment before beginning a 12-week exercise program. Fitness assessments will take approximately 30 minutes and will be assessed either in-person or online. Exercise programming will occur twice per week for a 12 week period in a class based setting (online or in-person). The exercise program will include aerobic, balance, strength, and flexibility training. You will complete a second fitness assessment and survey following the completion of the 12-week exercise program.
Click here to hear Dr. Saciragic, Gynaecologic Oncologist speak to the benefits of exercise for individuals living with gynaecological cancer.
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of this study is to explore the benefits of a 4+ week pre-surgical exercise program for individuals with advanced ovarian cancer.
You may be eligible if you:
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Are 18 years of age and older;
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Are scheduled to receive surgery;
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Have a minimum of 4 weeks between starting the study and your surgery date; and
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Have oncologist approval to participate.
What will I be asked to do if I decide to participate?​
If you agree to take part in the study, you will undergo a screening and fitness assessment at four time points: on starting the study (4-12 weeks before surgery), in the week preceding surgery, one month after surgery, and three months after surgery. You may also choose to take part in an exercise program during the 4-12-week pre-surgery period. The exercise program can be completed in person at the PAC Lab, virtually, or a combination of both in-person and virtual.
​What is RESIST?
RESIST is a 12 -week exercise program designed to decrease fatigue, muscle loss and improve overall strength for individuals living with a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma.
What is the purpose of the study?
The primary purpose of this project is to explore the role of a tailored circuit-based resistance (i.e., strength) training program on an individual's ability to carry out tasks of daily living, muscle strength and endurance, and quality of life for glioblastoma patients on active treatment.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for this study, participants must:
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Be 18 years of age or older;
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Have been diagnosed with a brain tumor known as glioblastoma;
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Are scheduled to receive radiation and Temozolomide chemotherapy;
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Have received any dose of dexamethasone (steroid); and
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Are willing and able to engage in a tailored exercise program.
What will I be asked to do if I decide to participate?​
If you agree to take part in the study, you will undergo an assessment before and after the 12-week exercise program. Following the assessment, you will be randomly placed in the exercise or non-exercise group. Those placed in the exercise group will complete an in-person exercise program for 3 to 6 weeks, and then a home-based exercise program for an additional 6 to 9 weeks - for a total of 12-weeks. Exercises will occur 3 to 4 times per week for 30-minutes each session. Those placed in the non-exercise group will be asked to maintain their usual activity during the study, and will have the option of receiving a 12-week home-based, virtual, or in-person exercise program after completing your second assessment.
​What is MIBC?
MIBC is a 4+ week pre-surgical exercise program designed to reduce treatment-related side effects, diminish depression, improve quality of life daily function for individuals living with muscle invasive bladder cancer.
What is the purpose of the study?
The primary purpose of this project is to explore the feasibility and efficacy of a 4+ week home-based exercise program in individuals with muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for this study, participants must:
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Be 18 years of age or older;
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Have a diagnosis of muscle invasive bladder cancer; and
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Are scheduled to receive chemotherapy and surgical removal of the bladder.
What will I be asked to do if I decide to participate?​
If you agree to take part in the study, you will undergo a screening and fitness assessment at four time points: on starting the study (4-12 weeks before surgery), in the week preceding surgery, one month after surgery, and three months after surgery. You may also choose to take part in an exercise program during the 4-12-week pre-surgery period. The exercise program can be completed in person at the PAC Lab, virtually, or a combination of both in-person and virtual.
​What is Women Living With and Beyond Cancer?
This study aims to explore the identities and daily lives of women living with and beyond cancer, and how this affects women's exercise experiences. Women who have and who have not participated in exercise or physical activity are invited to participate.
What is the purpose of the study?
The primary purpose of this project is to explore the identities and daily lives of women living with and beyond cancer, and how this affects women's exercise experiences.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for this study, participants must:
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You self-identify as a woman;
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Be 18 years of age or older;
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Have a diagnosis of cancer;
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Be able to speak and write in English; and
What will I be asked to do if I decide to participate?​
If you agree to take part in the study, you will participate in a one-time, one-on-one interview, lasting from about 30 minutes to one hour.
Caring for Caregivers+ (C4C+)
Why C4C+?
​There is growing concern about oncology care provider (OCP) burnout. Burnout, puts the health and safety of both OCPs and patients at risk. OCPs are at risk of burnout due to exposure to fatal illnesses, grief/compassion fatigue, heavy workloads, and administrative burdens. While several strategies have been used to reduce OCP burnout, including art therapy, policy change, and burnout education, few have explored the role of exercise.
What is C4C+?
C4C+ is a 12-week individually tailored exercise study aimed to reduce burnout in OCPs. Participants will chose from 1 of 2 exercise options:
Option 1: Supervised, circuit-based resistance exercise (2-3 days/week), OR
Option 2: Self-directed nature-based walking program (2-3 days/week).
Who can participate?
OCPs who are 1) providing care to cancer patients in an in-patients or out-patient setting, and 2) are able and willing to engage in low-to-moderate intensity physical activity.
Where will you participate:
In-person exercise sessions will be offered at the Physical Activity and Cancer (PAC) Lab located on the 5th floor of the Dickson Building. Participants selecting the nature-based program will receive information on nature/greeen spaces close to their workplace and home.
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