The MERRIER Study is exploring how to support children to become more active after receiving cancer treatment, through testing an online-delivered exercise program designed to support young patients through their recovery around Australia.
Exercise has been shown to improve physical and emotional well-being in people impacted by cancer, but many children struggle to be active after treatment due to fatigue, side effects, or lack of access to specialised programs. The MERRIER Study aims to change that by offering a flexible, home-based exercise plan tailored by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
The 12 week program includes a mix of strength, cardiovascular, balance and play-based activities, delivered fully online so families can participate in their own homes. It’s designed to be adaptable – taking into account each child’s age, physical limitations, interests, goals, and energy levels. The goal is to make movement feel safe, achievable, and even fun.
Recruitment into the study is underway, with the study planning to enrol and randomise 60 children aged 5 to 18 who have completed cancer treatment. The study is working closely with Camp Quality, who are facilitating recruitment to families. Researchers will look at how well the program works, how easy it is to follow, and what helps or hinders participation. They’ll also gather feedback to understand how to better integrate exercise into cancer care.
By making physical activity more accessible to families around Australia, The MERRIER Study hopes to empower young survivors and their families with tools to foster a positive relationship with physical activity, which is a critical health behaviour to reduce future risk of chronic conditions among survivors as they grow up.
“How physical activity helps kids after cancer”
“Grading your exercise”
“Turning tired into strong: fighting fatigue with movement”
The MERRIER Study is funded by The Kids Cancer Project, and is delivered by Principal Investigator Dr David Mizrahi and Chrissie Ho from the Triple I (Innovation-Implementation-Impact) stream at the Daffodil Centre.
