Fatigue is a common problem after cancer treatment. It can affect your energy levels, mood, and overall quality of life. Research shows that physical activity can help reduce fatigue, but many people who have colorectal cancer are not doing enough physical activity.
This study is designed to find out whether a new digital physical activity program can help reduce fatigue and improve wellbeing in people who have had colorectal cancer and have finished their treatment.
Many people who have had colorectal cancer still experience challenges after treatment. One of the most common is cancer-related fatigue, a type of tiredness that is different from everyday fatigue and doesn't always get better with rest. Research shows that being physically active can help reduce cancer-related fatigue. But most programs are highly structured or supervised, and they don't always adjust to the ups and downs of how someone's fatigue changes throughout the day.
Eligibility for I-FIT study:
Diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Over 18 years of age
Cancer treatment completed over 1 month ago, with no anticipated treatment during the study period
Experiencing moderate fatigue
Access to a smart mobile phone device
If you meet the criteria to take part in the study, you’ll be randomly placed into one of two groups:
Information group: You’ll receive an electronic copy of the Cancer Council’s Living Well After Cancer booklet. You won’t be asked to make any changes to your current routine or care.
I-FIT program group: You’ll take part in the I-FIT program, which is designed to help you move more and sit less, aimed at reducing cancer-related fatigue. It’s a flexible approach to increasing physical activity that fits around your day-to-day life.
Both groups will be part of the study for 12 weeks. During that time, we’ll ask you to complete a few short questionnaires at different points to help us understand how you're feeling and what’s working for you.
If you're placed in the I-FIT program group, you'll be asked to download a mobile app called mEMA to your phone. This app will send you gentle reminders during the day, asking you to answer a quick question about how fatigued or energetic you're feeling at that moment.
Based on your answers—and some information you gave us earlier—the app will suggest simple, personalised activity ideas that suit how you're feeling right then. The goal is to help you slowly build up your physical activity over time, in a way that feels manageable.
You’ll also be given a Garmin watch to wear during the 12-week study. This watch helps us track how much you’re moving and how much time you spend sitting, so we can better understand how the program is working for you.
See our FAQ page, or contact our program coordinator to get more information on the study
📧 (I-FIT@flinders.edu.au)