Feasibility of a tailored and virtually supported home exercise program for people with multiple myeloma using a novel eHealth application

Abstract

Introduction eHealth exercise interventions have the unique ability to leverage the benefits of in-person programming (tailoring and supervision) with the benefits of home programming (flexibility). There may be a role for eHealth-delivered exercise for people with multiple myeloma (MM), as exercise tailoring and supervision are critical for successful outcomes due to the significant impacts/risks of myeloma-related side effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week virtually supported eHealth exercise program. Methods Participants with MM completed a 12-week virtually supported home exercise program involving virtually supervised group workouts, independent workouts, and aerobic exercise. Tailoring was facilitated by the functionality of HEAL-Me, a novel eHealth app. Participants completed virtual fitness assessments and questionnaires at baseline and week 12. Results Twenty-nine participants consented, 26 completed all follow-up testing (90%). Exercise adherence was 90% (group), 83% (independent), and 90% (aerobic). No serious adverse events (grade ≥3) occurred. Significant improvements were found for quality of life and physical fitness. There was a high level of program/app satisfaction: 96% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the exercise program was beneficial, 93% found it enjoyable, 89% were satisfied or very satisfied with delivery through the HEAL-Me app, and 48% felt that the eHealth program helped them manage cancer-related symptoms and side-effects. Conclusion An eHealth intervention that is individually tailored and includes virtual supervision and active support from the healthcare team is feasible and acceptable to people with MM. The findings from this study warrant investigation using a large-scale randomized controlled trial.

Exploring participant perceptions of a virtually supported home exercise program for people with multiple myeloma using a novel eHealth application: a qualitative study

“…The present study is an acceptability-focused sub-study of MY PROGRESS, a larger multi-method feasibility study. A detailed overview of the exercise intervention, the HEAL-Me app, and quantitative feasibility results from MY PROGRESS are published elsewhere [ 13 ]. This qualitative study represents phase two of the overall study and complements phase one’s quantitative feasibility measures by eliciting participant feedback, thus developing a deeper understanding of program acceptability.…”

“…The Myeloma Progressive Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Study (MY PROGRESS) was a 12-week virtually supported home exercise program delivered using a novel eHealth exercise application, the HEAL-Me app [ 13 ]. It sought to balance the benefits of center-based programming (supervision) with the benefits of home programming (flexibility) using a combination of app-based supervised group exercise sessions and independent exercise sessions.…”

Digital Therapeutics for Improving Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biological Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies Supporting Development of Drug + Digital Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases

“…Mobile apps promoting physical activity can improve cancer-related fatigue, sedentary lifestyle, and psychosocial outcomes [121], also through personalized home exercise programs [122,123]. As cancer mortality declines, digital interventions delivering physical exercise interventions for cancer survivors are of equal importance [124].…”

Exercise care by general practitioners: Providing sustainable solutions for patients living with chronic disease

“…34 Often these programs allow users to access predetermined exercise routines, track dietary intake and exercise sessions and connect with other users. Recent evidence has shown that e-Health exercise interventions are safe, feasible and enjoyable for patients with chronic disease 35,36 and have clinical use in improving various health markers. [37][38][39] Mobile health (mHealth) involves the use of mobile devices to provide exercise care.…”