Effects of an online home-based exercise intervention on breast cancer survivors during COVID-19 lockdown: a feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose The strict lockdown implemented due the COVID-19 pandemic is generating a great impact on wellbeing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with cancer. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of an online home-based exercise intervention performed during a lockdown period analysing its effects on body composition, physical fitness, and HRQoL in breast cancer survivors. Methods Fifteen women with breast cancer receiving hormonal therapy (55.5 ± 6.7 years) were included in the study. The exercise intervention consisted of two weekly sessions of remotely supervised functional training (60 min per day) and two weekly sessions of unsupervised aerobic training (20–30 min/session; 60–85% of maximum heart rate) for a total of 16 weeks. DXA absorptiometry was used for the assessment of body composition. Functional assessment included cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) by Rockport walking test, upper and lower body strength (grip strength, arm curl test, and chair stand test), walking speed (brisk walking test), and agility (8-foot up-and-go test). The HRQoL was evaluated with the QLQ-BR23 questionnaire. The adherence to the intervention was measured as the percentage of online classes attended. Results Rate of adherence for the online exercise intervention was 90 ± 17%. The exercise intervention induced significant ( p < 0.05) improvements in physical fitness: CRF (+ 9%), right arm and lower limb strength (+ 10% and + 18%, respectively) and lower limbs lean mass (+ 2% and + 3.5% for left and right leg, respectively). Conclusion This feasibility study suggests that an online home-based exercise intervention during COVID-19 lockdown could improve physical fitness and body composition in breast cancer survivors even in a context of heightened concern for future health.

First-Year Implementation of the EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) Study: Building Networks to Support Rural and Remote Community Access to Exercise Oncology Resources

“…Implementation of the EXCEL study in the first year was also promising. Compared to previous work, EXCEL's exercise intervention adherence rate (78%; a range of 76-82% across regions) was lower than the adherence rates of recently published online exercise-oncology interventions of 86-91% [7,8]. However, the unique timing related to the COVID-19 pandemic was a critical factor.…”

“…However, the unique timing related to the COVID-19 pandemic was a critical factor. Both prior studies [7,8] indicated that the online exercise interventions were completed during early lockdowns in the pandemic, potentially contributing to the increased adherence rates as participants had the time to exercise at home. This trend was observed in EXCEL, with the highest adherence rates being reported in earlier enrolment periods (Fall 2020 (84.3%) and Winter 2021 (84.4%)), whereas lower adherence rates were reported during periods in which lockdowns began to vary across regions (Spring (72.4%) and Fall 2021 (76.9%)).…”

“…Online exercise programs have recently become an alternative to in-person exercise. Preliminary evidence shows online exercise delivery for those living with cancer is safe, feasible, and can improve physical fitness, physical function, body composition, and quality of life [7][8][9][10][11]. Importantly, the shift to online delivery may also provide a unique opportunity to expand outreach to those who do not have access to exercise-oncology resources, including those in rural and remote communities.…”

Impact of covid-19 confinement on physical activity in Spanish breast cancer survivors

“…Our results con rm this statement since the BCS of the sample that trained in supervised programs had higher scores in all the HUNT1-PAQ variables, especially in intensity and duration of the sessions. In this regard, it is to be expected that, these BCS would obtain greater bene ts for the increased e ciency offered by this mode of training as other studies point out [26][27][28][29] even when such monitoring was carried out through supervised online programs during con nement [30][31][32] Finally, the main change observed comparing pre and post con nement periods was the change in the location where PA was performed, signi cantly increasing the BCS that preferred to train outdoors. Given that CS have a higher risk of infection [33,34] , it became necessary for them to modify their training habits in order to maintain their PA [33].…”

A Group-Based, Videoconference-Delivered Physical Activity Program for Cancer Survivors

“…The feasibility and effects of videoconference-delivered interventions to improve PA and other health outcomes among cancer survivors are still emerging (15). To our knowledge, only five studies have reported on videoconference-delivered exercise-oncology interventions or programs (16)(17)(18)(19)(20). Findings from these studies are promising in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and improvements in physical and psychosocial outcomes.…”