What does I-FIT stand for?

Improving FatIgue Through digital physical activity intervention in colorectal cancer (I-FIT).

What will I be asked to do if I join? 

If you are eligible and agree to participate in this study, you will firstly complete some surveys to tell us more about your health, current physical activity levels, and your experience with fatigue. You will then be randomly assigned to either the usual care (control) or intervention (I-FIT) group. 

Usual care group:

• You will continue to receive care from your regular healthcare providers as you normally would.

• You will receive general health information (booklet) to support your wellbeing after treatment. 

• You will be asked to complete surveys at four points during the 12-week study (before the study, 6-weeks, 12-weeks, and 16-weeks after starting the study. 

Intervention (I-FIT) group:

• You will receive general health information (booklet) to support your wellbeing after treatment. 

• You will be asked to wear a Garmin Vivosmart 5 watch for the majority of the 12-week duration. 

• You will be asked to download a mobile app, that will prompt you a few times throughout the day to complete a survey to determine your fatigue levels. This will give you individualised recommendations for exercise based on your fatigue. 

• You will receive weekly telehealth sessions with an exercise professional to track your progress and monitor any issues you might be experiencing.

• You will be asked to complete surveys at  points during the 12-week study (before the study, 6-weeks, 12-weeks, and 16-weeks after starting the study.  

• You may be invited to take part in a one-time individual interview to learn more about your experience in the I-FIT study. 

Are there benefits to participating?

While we can't guarantee direct benefits, many participants may notice improvements in fatigue, physical activity, and overall wellbeing. You might also gain insights into how regular exercise supports recovery after colorectal cancer treatment and build healthy habits for the future.

By joining, you're helping researchers learn how this digital program can support people after cancer. Your contribution could help make the program available to others in the future.

Which group benefits more?

We don't know yet which approach is better for people who have had colorectal cancer. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of each group on cancer related fatigue. 

Will I be reimbursed for my participation in the study? 

Participants who complete the study will be recognised for their time. Those who are randomised and complete the control group will receive $50. Those who are randomised and complete the I-FIT intervention will be able to keep the Garmin Vivosmart 5 watch provided to them for the study. 

Will I need to attend in-person sessions?

No, this study in entirely remote. Questionnaires are completed online and occasional discussions with an exercise professional are done via Microsoft Teams (intervention group only). 

How long does the study last? 

The study is 12-weeks long, but you will be asked to complete your final survey at week 16. This allows the researchers to determine lasting effects of the intervention. 

Who do I contact if I have more questions? 

For more information, please visit our 'Participant Information Form' page, or contact our program coordinator at:
I-FIT@flinders.edu.au.