Abstract
Background and Relevance:
Cancer survivors are 2-5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease due to the cardiotoxic effects of treatment. Despite evidence supporting physical activity for recovery, it remains underutilised in cancer rehabilitation. Community-based sports, such as football, provide a promising yet underexplored avenue for enhancing this population's fitness and quality of life.
Purpose:
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a football-based intervention designed to improve fitness, self-management, and quality of life for cancer survivors at risk of heart disease.
Methods:
Sixty participants will be randomised into an intervention group (football activities) or a control group (standard care) over 10 weeks. The intervention includes small-sided football games, warmup exercises, and motivational interviewing to promote behaviour change. Feasibility measures will assess recruitment, retention, adherence, programme acceptability, implementation fidelity, and safety. Outcomes will be measured using the Six-Minute Walk Test, EORTC QLQ-C30, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Expected Results:
Improvements in cardiovascular fitness, quality of life, and mental well-being are anticipated in the intervention group compared to controls.
Discussion/Conclusion:
This intervention could inform public health strategies integrating football into rehabilitation programmes for cancer survivors, reducing cardiovascular risks and enhancing quality of life.
Cancer survivors are 2-5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease due to the cardiotoxic effects of treatment. Despite evidence supporting physical activity for recovery, it remains underutilised in cancer rehabilitation. Community-based sports, such as football, provide a promising yet underexplored avenue for enhancing this population's fitness and quality of life.
Purpose:
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a football-based intervention designed to improve fitness, self-management, and quality of life for cancer survivors at risk of heart disease.
Methods:
Sixty participants will be randomised into an intervention group (football activities) or a control group (standard care) over 10 weeks. The intervention includes small-sided football games, warmup exercises, and motivational interviewing to promote behaviour change. Feasibility measures will assess recruitment, retention, adherence, programme acceptability, implementation fidelity, and safety. Outcomes will be measured using the Six-Minute Walk Test, EORTC QLQ-C30, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Expected Results:
Improvements in cardiovascular fitness, quality of life, and mental well-being are anticipated in the intervention group compared to controls.
Discussion/Conclusion:
This intervention could inform public health strategies integrating football into rehabilitation programmes for cancer survivors, reducing cardiovascular risks and enhancing quality of life.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | FIT HEART: Football-Inspired Training to Improve Heart Health and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors |
| Publication status | Published - 16 Jan 2025 |
| Event | Football Is Medicine Conference - Duration: 14 Jan 2025 → 16 Feb 2025 https://www.jyu.fi/en/events/football-is-medicine-2025#:~:text=This%20multidisciplinary%20international%20conference%20will%20bring%20together%20researchers,and%20other%20team%20sports%20on%20health%20and%20well-being. |
Conference
| Conference | Football Is Medicine Conference |
|---|---|
| Period | 14/01/2025 → 16/02/2025 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Football
- Football in Medicine
- Exercise oncology
- Exercise in Medicine
- Football for All
- Community Sports
- Behaviour change
