OBJECTIVE: To explore whether a structured counselling-based intervention increases vigorous physical activity behaviour of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. DESIGN: Randomized controlled phase II trial. SETTING: University Cancer Center Hamburg, Germany. SUBJECTS: Eighty-nine participants (mean age 24.1 +/- 6.3) were randomized to control (n = 44) or intervention group (n = 45). INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group was consulted about physical activity behaviour via interview (week 0), and telephone counselling (weeks 1, 3 and 12). The control group only received general physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors (week 0). MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome was the rate of participants with 9 metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week of vigorous activity post-intervention, measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included assessing physical activity behaviour (eg, amount and type of physical activity) and quality of life. Assessments were completed in weeks 0 (baseline), 12 (post-intervention) and 52 (follow-up). RESULTS: Sixty-nine participants completed the post-intervention- and 47 the follow-up-assessment. The rate of participants performing vigorous physical activity increased from baseline to post-intervention for both without differing significantly (p = 0.541). Both increased their total metabolic equivalent from baseline to post-intervention (intervention group from 55.2 +/- 43.7 to 61.7 +/- 29.4, control group from 75.3 +/- 81.4 to 88.3 +/- 80.2). At follow-up the intervention group (73.7 +/- 80.2) was more active than baseline when compared to the control group (78.5 +/- 50.0). CONCLUSIONS: A structured counselling-based physical activity intervention did not significantly impact the level of vigorous physical activity behaviour in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

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