- July 22, 2021

Associate Professor Shelby Langer has received $100,000 in funding from the Mayo Clinic and ASU seed grant program to support a research project titled, “Feasibility and Acceptability of a Dyad-based Physical Activity Intervention for Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients and Caregivers.” The research team includes Nandita Khera, M.D., M.P.H., and Lesley Hooser, MSN, RN (Mayo Clinic), and Michael Todd, PhD and Rodney Joseph, PhD (Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation). 

Physical activity may help lessen the side effects of cancer treatment, yet often diminishes post-treatment for a number of reasons. This project will study the feasibility of an exercise intervention involving people undergoing cancer treatment for a hematologic malignancy along with their caregiver. The study will also look at the use of a new, wearable device to track steps and assess communication between partners.

“Rates of physical activity following cancer treatment have been described in the literature as dismal. Indeed, our own preliminary research found that objectively measured step counts were quite low among persons recovering from hematopoietic cell transplantation, a potentially life-saving procedure, yet associated with multiple medical effects including immunosuppression and fatigue,” stated Langer. “Step counts were also low on average among caregiving partners who we know to be under a great deal of stress given intensive caregiving demands. Caregivers’ own self-care is often put aside to support their loved one. All physical activity interventions to date for this population have targeted patients alone. By involving patients and their partners, we hope to capitalize on the inherent inter-dependence (connectedness) within couples to bolster behavioral support for both individuals and the couple as a whole.”

Funding for this program is provided by Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University Alliance for Health Care.

Click here for more information and a complete list of recipients.

About the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University for Health Care Alliance:

The Alliance is developing comprehensive improvements in the science of health care delivery and practice, all toward one goal: continually advancing patient care. Together the recognized world leader in patient care, education and research, and the nation’s No. 1 ranked university for innovation are combining expertise from every corner of health care – doctors to bioengineers to business experts – for an adaptive approach to preparing the next generation of health care pioneers and practitioners in our communities.