Bitonte College of Health and Human Services
Exercise Oncology
About the Program
Youngstown State University's Exercise Oncology Program is a community-based research initiative exploring the role of supervised exercise in supporting adults affected by cancer. The program provides individualized exercise experiences designed to promote health and wellness before, during, and after cancer treatment.
Students conduct exercise sessions under the supervision of a certified cancer exercise specialist. The program also incorporates research activities, including blood draws to assess inflammatory markers. Blood draws are performed by a qualified medical laboratory scientist.
The program supports participants while providing YSU students with valuable hands-on experience in exercise oncology.
Program at a Glance
- Who can participate: Adults affected by cancer
- Treatment stages: Before, during, and after cancer treatment
- Program duration: 12 weeks
- Exercise frequency: Three sessions per week
- Session format: Individualized exercise sessions
- Safety evaluation: Baseline safety evaluation required
- Participation: Volunteer participation or clinician referral
- Research activities: Blood draws to assess inflammatory markers
Interested in Participating?
Whether you are preparing for cancer treatment, currently receiving treatment, or navigating life after treatment, the Exercise Oncology Program offers an opportunity to participate in an individualized, supervised exercise experience.
Participants complete a baseline safety evaluation before beginning the program. Contact the program director to learn more about eligibility, the enrollment process, scheduling, and what to expect.
What to Expect
Individualized, Supervised Exercise
Participants engage in individual exercise sessions conducted by students under the supervision of a certified cancer exercise specialist.
Research and Health Assessment
The program includes blood draws to assess inflammatory markers as part of its research activities. All blood draws are performed by a qualified medical laboratory scientist.
A 12-Week Program
Participants take part in a 12-week program with three exercise sessions per week. The program team can explain the initial safety evaluation, scheduling, and participation requirements.
Information for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to connect eligible adult patients with YSU's Exercise Oncology Program. The program welcomes clinician referrals for individuals who may benefit from individualized, supervised exercise before, during, or after cancer treatment.
Program Features
- Individualized exercise sessions three times per week over 12 weeks.
- A baseline safety evaluation before participation.
- Exercise sessions conducted by students under the supervision of a certified cancer exercise specialist.
- Research activities that include blood draws to assess inflammatory markers.
- Blood draws performed by a qualified medical laboratory scientist.
Refer a Patient
To discuss a potential referral, learn more about participation requirements, or ask questions about the program, contact Matthew O'Dell, program director.
Matthew O'Dell
Program Director, Exercise Oncology
Youngstown State University
Email: mrodell01@ysu.edu
Phone: (330) 941-1906
Contact the Exercise Oncology Program
Contact Matthew O'Dell for more information about the program, participation, eligibility, or clinician referrals.
Matthew O'Dell, Program Director
Email: mrodell01@ysu.edu
Phone: (330) 941-1906
Location
Exercise Science Fitness Center in Beeghly Center
Youngstown State University
1 Tressel Way
Youngstown, OH 44555