Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a video conference delivered, group-based physical activity program for cancer survivors

Background: Although supervised cancer rehabilitation and exercise programs are effective for improving health outcomes among cancer survivors, widespread access is lacking, and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for innovative ways to reach and serve cancer survivors in their homes. Method: A single arm, pre-post study to assess feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of Fitness for Cancer Therapy (Fit Cancer), an 8-week, group-based videoconference delivered exercise program. Feasibility and acceptability were captured by accrual, attendance and adherence rates and participant satisfaction and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Preliminary estimates of the effects of Fit Cancer on physical function, Quality of Life (QOL) and Exercise Self Efficacy (ESE) were measured at pre- and post-program and analyzed by percent change and one-tailed, paired sample t-tests. Results: A total of n = 39 participated in the study. Accrual (91%), retention (90%), adherence (88%) rates along with acceptability (94%) findings support feasibility. Physical activity measured by moderate-vigorous aerobic and resistance exercise had a percent change increase of 69.9% (p <0.05). Lower (10.4%, p <0.05) and upper body muscular endurance (22.4%, p <0.05) and single-leg balance (12.1%, p <0.05) all increased significantly. No changes were seen in QOL or BARSE and a reduction was seen in ESE (-8.1%, p <0.05). Conclusion: Results indicate that a videoconference delivered exercise program was feasible and acceptable and may help cancer survivors increase physical activity and muscular strength/endurance. A controlled trial is required to confirm these findings.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health and Exercise Science

Grantor dc:publisher

Colorado State University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Authors dc:creator

• Howell, Matthew, author
• Leach, Heather, advisor
• Perry, Rick, committee member
• Currin-McCulloch, Jen, committee member

• exercise
• physical activity
• virtual
• oncology
• cancer
• videoconference

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25675/3.02620

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mountainscholar.org:10217/234203