A Novel Telehealth Exercise Program Designed for Rural Survivors of Cancer With Cancer-Related Fatigue: Single-Arm...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) significantly impacts cancer survivors, particularly those in rural areas facing access barriers to exercise programs.
• Effective interventions are crucial for managing CRF and improving quality of life in cancer survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a novel telehealth exercise program, the BfitBwell Telehealth Program, for rural cancer survivors with CRF.
• To evaluate the program's acceptability, suitability, and preliminary effectiveness in reducing cancer-related fatigue.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week single-arm trial utilizing synchronous and asynchronous exercise sessions via videoconferencing and a smartphone app.
• Personalized exercise prescriptions delivered by cancer exercise specialists, with automated symptom monitoring and symptom-triggered synchronous sessions.
• Feasibility assessed through recruitment rates, data collection completion, intervention adherence, and participant feedback.

Main Results:

• The BfitBwell program demonstrated high feasibility, with 15 of 16 participants completing the intervention.
• Significant improvements in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) were observed post-intervention (mean FACIT-Fatigue score increase of 11.2 points, P=.001).
• High adherence rates were noted for assessments (100%), surveys (93%), and synchronous sessions (97%).

Conclusions:

• The BfitBwell Telehealth Program is a feasible and potentially effective intervention for rural cancer survivors with CRF.
• The program's components, including asynchronous exercise and symptom monitoring, offer models for enhancing future remote cancer rehabilitation efforts.