A supervised exercise intervention during cancer treatment for adolescents and young adults—FiGHTING F!T: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: High-quality evidence supports the integration of exercise to mitigate treatment-related side effects in a wide range of paediatric and adult cancer cohorts. However, the implementation of exercise in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients is yet to be explored in depth. FiGHTINGF!T is a randomised controlled cross over trial designed to determine if a supervised, structured, and progressive exercise programme can reduce the decline in physical fitness (V0(2peak)) associated with cancer treatment in AYAs from diagnosis. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 40 AYAs recently diagnosed and due to commence systemic treatment (± 2 weeks) for a primary haematological malignancy or solid tumour will be recruited and randomised to either an immediate exercise intervention or usual care (delayed exercise) for 10 weeks. This randomised controlled crossover trial will see both groups engage in a supervised exercise intervention from either diagnosis (baseline assessment) for 10 weeks (0–10 weeks) or following an interim assessment to 20 weeks (10–20 weeks). The bi-weekly tailored exercise programme will combine aerobic and resistance exercises and be supervised by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Participants will complete a range of assessments at 0, 10, and 20 weeks including cardiopulmonary exercise tests, 1 repetition maximum strength measures, physical functioning, and self-reported quality of life measurements. Patient-reported treatment-related toxicities will be recorded on a weekly basis. DISCUSSION: The FiGHTINGF!T trial will provide insight into the potential benefits of a supervised exercise programme in AYAs undergoing cancer treatment. This trial will contribute to the evidence supporting the necessary integration of exercise during cancer treatment, specifically in the under-reported AYA cohort. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered retrospectively with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial registry (ACTRN12620000663954). Registered on 10 June 2020 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05616-8.