UcanACT is a pilot project that developed a programme to encourage participation in physical activity (PA) within Public Urban Green Spaces (PUGS), and to apply PA as a tool for cancer prevention for older adults. It is in line with the EU Sport and HEPA policy, and proposes practical and innovative solutions towards existing health issues caused by physical inactivity of EU citizens within an intersectoral network of institutions working in this field.
Citizens aged over 50 years were invited to participate in physiotherapy-led 1-hour PA sessions twice weekly in 2 pilot rounds (PR) in 2024. Each pilot consisted of at least 11 sessions of PA according to a defined protocol of training, based on current research on optimal activity levels for PA engagement. The Citizens Engagement Strategy mapped the stakeholders, identified the recruitment process, and supported the pilot rounds roll-out in each territory. A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and an App were developed to disseminate the Practical Intervention Methodology (PIM). The physiotherapists completed the MOOC before commencing the PA sessions. The intervention was standardised however the physiotherapists could adjust the programme as needed for individual participants.
Main outcomes included Quality of Life (QoL, measured with QLQ-C30/EQ-5D-5L), fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory, BFI), risk of falls (Self-rated Fall Risk Questionnaire, FRQ) and level of PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form), IPAQ-SF). Differences between pre and post programme, and between participants living with and not diagnosed with cancer were analysed. Semi-structured interviews through focus groups were used to gather information from participants, physiotherapists, and communication managers about their programme experience.
During PR1, 114 participants from 3 territories commenced the programme (64.15 (± 7.85 years old), 85.09% women). Improvements in IPAQ-SF (p0.001) and insomnia dimension from QLQ-C30 in Kilkenny, meaningful clinical differences in FRQ in Kilkenny and Bologna, and in QoL in Munich were recorded. Participants and physiotherapists were highly satisfied with the programme. The physiotherapist role in delivering the activity sessions was critical to successful engagement. Participants would highly recommend the programme, and felt benefits at a cardiorespiratory, balance and strength level, enhanced social interaction and reduced anxiety. To date, participants continue group PA autonomously. PR2 data will be analysed in Q1 2025.
UcanACT project and physical activity demonstrated a positive impact for senior citizens with or without cancer diagnosis or as a cancer survivor.
Through dissemination of the PIM with the MOOC, UcanACT has demonstrated its feasibility to implement PA programmes in PUGS in collaboration with physiotherapists and local stakeholders.
physical activity
cancer
