A study looking at how changes in physical activity before and after surgery affect recovery (BRACELET)
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Phase:
This study is looking at how physical activity changes before and after surgery. This is to help doctors understand how this affects recovery from surgery.
This study is open to people who are having breast cancer surgery at the Imperial College NHS healthcare Trust London.
More about this trial
We know that physical activity and movement is important to help people recover after surgery. This includes walking and activities using your arm or shoulder. But there has been no way to measure this activity.
With the development of devices such as fitness watches, researchers think there now might be a way to measure how active people are after surgery.
In this study you wear a device like a fitness watch. It records your activity before your surgery and after surgery while you are in hospital and at home.
The aims of this study are to find out:
- whether physical activity after surgery relates to how well people recover after surgery
- whether it affects how long they stay in hospital
- what people need to do before and after surgery to help personalise their care
Who can enter
The following bullet points list the entry conditions for this study. Talk to your doctor or the study team if you are unsure about any of these. They will be able to advise you.
Who can take part
You may be able to join this study if you are at least 18 years old and are having breast cancer surgery at the Imperial College NHS healthcare Trust London.
Who can’t take part
You cannot join this study if any of these apply. You:
- can’t move without help
- have a medical condition that affects how you move such as Parkinson’s disease
- have a mental or emotional problem
- can’t read or understand English, you might be able to join if someone can translate for you (an interpreter)
Trial design
The study team need 50 people to join.
Around 1 or 2 weeks before you are due to have surgery you go to the clinic as normal. This is to prepare you for your operation. At the appointment a member of the study team gives you a device like a wristwatch. You wear the device all the time at home before going into hospital. And while you are in hospital.
The device records your activity and movement. You wear the device for 2 to 6 weeks the whole day (24 hours) while doing your daily activity. This so the researchers can understand your hand movement.
You can wear the device while showering (it is showerproof) but not if you have a bath or go swimming.
The team collects the device when you attend your first clinic appointment after your surgery.
Questionnaires
You fill in a few questionnaires:
- when you collect the device
- when you hand the device back
The questions ask about:
- your general health
- what you can do
- quality of life
When you hand back the device you also fill in a survey about using the device.
Hospital visits
There are no extra hospital visits if you join this study.
Side effects
The device is safe and won’t interfere with any electrical equipment. But if you have any concerns you can contact the study team.
Location
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Richard M Kwasnicki
Supported by
Imperial College London
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
