About Can Walk Can Run as a research project.

What is the research component of CWCR about?

Can Walk Can Run is a pilot walking and running program for people who have or have had cancer but it’s also a part of a research project. It’s a little bit different to other research projects in the exercise and cancer space in that it is primarily focussed on intervention or program development – compared to the bulk of research in this area that has set out to identify how and why exercise can be beneficial during and after cancer treatment. I thought this week’s blog post would be a good opportunity to briefly discuss the scope of this research.

Why are we doing this research?

Physical activity is good for you. Being more active can help improve health measures like blood pressure and insulin sensitivity. It can reduce the risk and severity of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. For people with cancer, it can help reduce symptoms like cancer-related fatigue and some types of cancer-related pain. It can also help with other things, like getting outside, meeting people, structuring your day, having fun, and so on. BUT few Australians who have had cancer in Australia are able to access physical activity support programs and this seems to become more difficult with time since treatment. So, the main purpose of this research is to look at ways of delivering physical activity to in a community setting.

What did we do before this research project started?

We spoke to people with lived experience of cancer as well as health professionals about their experiences of physical activity after cancer. This really helped us expand our thinking about what physical activity after cancer can be. Collectively, responses emphasised that physical activity programs need to be diverse, engaging, and flexible – and to grow beyond exercises that are typically used in very early rehabilitation settings, like chair based exercises. One participant spoke fondly of their running journey, and another mentioned that a ‘social couch to 5k program style program’ would be great. So, the wheels started turning…

What were the first steps in the Can Walk Can Run research project?

We again spoke to people with lived experience of cancer and other stakeholders in the physical activity and cancer care space. This time we were a little more focused. We asked these participants what they would want in a program. Responses ranged from safe and effective to fun and empowering. This helped us refine the key values CWCR is looking to achieve: a community-based, non-judgemental, fun, joyful, and empowering program.

What are the next research steps with Can Walk Can Run?

It is one thing to talk about what a program should look like and another thing to create a program that can reach people and that is enjoyable enough for people to return to. That is why the current CWCR research approach is to pilot a delivery approach, evaluate it, adjust it, then repilot it to see if it is improved. Ultimately, we are looking to develop an engaging program that people will enjoy.

What do we ask research participants to do?

For us, it’s super beneficial for people with lived experience of cancer to express their interest in participating, complete a short questionnaire so we can describe who is interested and who has attended CWCR, come along to a session (or many sessions), then complete another short questionnaire – and maybe a short interview – on your experiences. Ultimately – this will help us learn more about how to deliver physical activity in community settings and may also help us sustain and scale Can Walk Can Run beyond the life of the research project.

If you would like to participate in this research please register your interest via the link at the top of the page or contact lead research Chris Swain at christopher.swain@unimelb.edu.au