Authors: (including presenting author): :
Yeung YK(1), Ng SW(1), Leung WC(1), Ho ST(1), Chun OK(2), Fung WW(2), Gao Y (3) , Sun Y(3) , Xiong Z(3)
Affiliation: :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Kwong Wah Hospital, (2)Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital, (3)Hong Kong Baptist University
Keyword 1: :
breast cancer rehabilitation
Keyword 2: :
home based program
Keyword 3: :
tele-exercise program
Introduction: :
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, with 2.3 million new diagnoses and 7.8 million below 5-year breast cancer survivors counting in 2020 1. In Hong Kong, it accounts for 27.2% of new female cancer cases 2. 90% of patients receive post operation adjuvant therapy including radiation and chemotherapy 3. While radiation usually causes short-term side effects, chemotherapy can lead to both short- and long-term complications, impacting physical and mental health 4-7. Supervised exercise has been shown to alleviate cancer-related symptoms and enhance overall health, with evidence supporting its benefits for fatigue and quality of life3,4,5,8. Along with advances in technology, tele-exercise approach can deliver exercise training and allows participants to exercise at home with supervision 9. It solves the common barriers against exercise in breast cancer survivors include tiredness, transportation, and lack of time 10. A new 12-week tele-exercise protocol is being developed by Baptist University to help participants build up exercise habits. But before implementation, this 4-week tele-exercise pilot study aims to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of the 12-week tele-exercise for breast cancer survivors.
Objectives: :
This study aims to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of a 12-week tele-exercise for breast cancer survivors and to compare changes in selected health outcomes between intervention and control groups in the 4-week pilot study.
Methodology: :
The pilot study recruited 24 patients which were randomly assigned to either intervention or control group. The tele-exercise program consisted of coach-supervised training sessions held three times per week over four weeks, along with four psychological counseling sessions. Each exercise session incorporated warm-up, aerobic exercise, resistance training, stretching, and cool-down, with the duration of exercise progressively increasing from 30 to 50 minutes and the intensity rising from low to moderate levels. Target heart rates during exercise were monitored using a pulse oximeter, and participants were required to keep their telehealth training device cameras on throughout training sessions. Outcome measures including the 6-minute walk test, hand grip test, timed stand test, single-leg stance test, affected side shoulder range of motion test, and the FACT-B Trial Outcome Index, were collected both pre and post intervention.
Result & Outcome: :
In this pilot study, 24 out of 34 eligible patients participated. The results indicated a significant improvement in cardiopulmonary fitness, as measured by the 6-minute walk test, in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.15). Furthermore, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement compared to control in both the timed stand test and the range of movement of the affected side shoulder (p < 0.15). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in quality of life for the intervention group relative to the control group (p < 0.15). However, no significant enhancements were observed in the hand grip test and single-leg stance test (p > 0.15). The results of this pilot study provide a strong foundation for the design and implementation of a larger-scale main study in view of feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness. The merits of tele-intervention improve physical fitness, shoulder range of movement, and health-related quality of life highlights its promise as a viable rehabilitation strategy. With further research and refinement, tele-exercise programs could play a crucial role in enhancing recovery and quality of life among breast cancer survivors, offering an innovative and cost-effective alternative to meet their rehabilitation needs.
