Application Of Digital Technology Based Cancer Specific Exercise Program And Changes Of Physical Activity Level In Breast Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of a cancer specific exercise program (CSEP) based on non-face-to-face digital technology on changes of physical activity level (PAL) in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Thirty breast cancer patients (46.0 ± 7.3 yrs, 160.6 ± 5.5 cm, 57.8 ± 9.9 kg, 22.3 ± 3.7 kg/m2) who participated in a 12-week CSEP following surgery were included for analysis. CSEP consisted of keeping exercise diary, following video instruction, and participating free-will exercise sessions assisted by a real-time voice coach and heart rate (HR) monitoring service. Participants chose one of the CSEP for each session while having a wearable device. Step frequency during each session was recorded for assessing PAL. Step frequency was classified into daily total step frequency, fast and normal speed walking frequencies, and running steps. Their body weight was frequently measured. For analysis, the 12-week CSEP was divided into 3 time period sections (1; 1-4 week, 2; 5-8 week, 3; 9-12 week), and differences among periods were evaluated using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Daily total step frequency was higher in section 2 (10,105 ± 4,941 steps) than section 1 (9,194 ± 4,019 steps) and 3 (9,263 ± 4,102 steps) (p < 0.05). The normal speed walking frequency was higher in section 2 (7,760 ± 3,754 steps) than section 1 (7,218 ± 2,984 steps) and 3 (7,208 ± 3,092 steps) (p < 0.05). No differences among sections were noticed in the fast speed walking frequency (1,288 ± 710, 1,414 ± 741, and 1,300 ± 704 steps in section 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and the running steps (687 ± 842, 930 ± 1,489, and 755 ± 1,222 steps in section 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Their body weight was not changed during the program (55.5 ± 8.5, 55.1 ± 8.5, and 55.4 ± 8.1 kg during section 1, 2, and 3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The CSEP was effective in increasing PAL up to 8 weeks following the surgery. To encourage and maintain PAL after 8 weeks of the program while providing digital non-face-to-face service, a complementary tactics should be adopted.