Movement as Medicine: Transforming Cancer Care, Research, and Education

At the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, we are pioneering the integration of exercise into cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship care. Through innovative educational pathways, large-scale clinical trials, and hands-on research opportunities, our faculty and trainees are dedicated to advancing evidence-based exercise interventions that improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients across Michigan and beyond.

This initiative is supported by the U-M Strategic Initiative Fund through the Look to Michigan campaign.

Exercise Oncology Initiative (EOI)

The Exercise Oncology Initiative (EOI) is an interdisciplinary partnership between the U-M School of Kinesiology, Rogel Cancer Center, and the UM-Flint College of Health Sciences. EOI is establishing the nation's first comprehensive training pathway for specialized exercise oncology professionals to meet the growing demand for evidence-based exercise support in cancer care.

• Key Focus: Development of a Rackham-approved graduate certificate in exercise oncology.
• Hands-On Experience: Trainees complete clinical rotations at Rogel Cancer Center and UM-Flint, delivering direct exercise support to cancer patients.
• Community & Clinical Impact: Building central infrastructure to expand exercise oncology access to patients statewide while developing a highly skilled clinical workforce.

LETS MOVE Clinical Trial

LETS MOVE (Longitudinal Exercise Technology Study to Monitor Oncology patients with Virtual Engagement) is a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the power of remote, technology-supported exercise interventions for cancer patients and survivors. This initiative is jointly funded by the Rogel Cancer Center and the School of Kinesiology.

• Trial Scope: Enrolling 450 participants with breast, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, or kidney cancer across active treatment and survivorship phases.
• Innovative Delivery: Utilizes wearable devices (Garmin watches), digital scales, and virtual behavioral coaching to deliver remote, personalized exercise guidance.
• Primary Goal: Quantify changes in health-related quality of life, physical function, cardiometabolic health, and long-term exercise adherence.