Exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for the management of sleep disturbance in primary brain tumour survivors and their caregivers: A study protocol of a clinical trialKey Points:
Jason A. Martin,
Nicolas H. Hart,
Natalie Bradford,
Fiona Naumann,
Mark B. Pinkham,
Elizabeth P. Pinkham,
Justin J. Holland
Affiliations
Jason A. Martin
School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Australian eHealth Research Centre, CSIRO, Brisbane, Australia; Corresponding author. School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Nicolas H. Hart
Human Performance Research Centre, INSIGHT Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia; Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia; Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia
Natalie Bradford
Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Fiona Naumann
Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia
Mark B. Pinkham
Radiation Oncology, Division of Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Elizabeth P. Pinkham
Human Performance Research Centre, INSIGHT Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia; Physiotherapy, Clinical Support Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
Justin J. Holland
School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Background: Sleep disturbance is a highly prevalent and impactful symptom experienced by those adversely affected by primary brain tumours. Despite this, there is a lack of literature exploring appropriate options for the management of sleep disturbance in these populations. As such, more holistic and patient-centred approaches to address sleep disturbance are needed. Exercise presents itself as a viable option for managing sleep disturbances given its numerous health benefits, minimal costs, and acceptability, though the feasibility of its use in the context of primary brain tumours is unknown. Methods: Primary brain tumour survivors and their caregivers will enrol and participate in a supervised, eight-week exercise intervention delivered by telehealth. Feasibility will be assessed using predetermined study metrics, including eligibility, recruitment. and assessment completion rates. Acceptability will be assessed using retention to intervention rates, session attendance, and participant satisfaction. Sleep will be assessed both objectively, using ring sleep trackers, and subjectively, using questionnaires. Conclusion: This study will be the first to explore the feasibility and acceptability of exercise for the management of sleep disturbance in primary brain tumour survivors and their caregivers. If successful, this protocol will contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate strategies to manage sleep disturbance in these populations.
