The feasibility of a pragmatic distance-based intervention to increase physical activity in lung cancer survivors — ASN Events
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  3. The feasibility of a pragmatic distance-based intervention to increase physical activity in lung cancer survivors

The feasibility of a pragmatic distance-based intervention to increase physical activity in lung cancer survivors (#306)

Carolyn McIntyre 1 , Michael Baker 2 , YC Gary Lee 3 , Prue Cormie 1 , Daniel A Galvão 1 , Vickie Graham 1 , Robert U Newton 1
  1. Edith Cowan University Health & Wellness Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
  2. Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, New South Wales 2135, Australia
  3. Respiratory Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia

Aims

To investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a pragmatic distance-based intervention designed to increase moderate intensity physical activity participation in lung cancer survivors.

Methods

Lung cancer survivors (stage I-IIIB non-small cell lung cancer) were recruited via invitation from the state Cancer Registry to join a physical activity intervention. At baseline participants received a personalized folder with a physical activity logbook. Over the 12-week intervention participants received eight mail-outs of print material with brief telephone follow-up. Each scripted call was tailored to compliment the print-materials. Questionnaire assessments were administered via telephone at baseline and post-intervention. Primary outcomes measured feasibility: eligibility and recruitment rate, loss to follow-up, adherence to telephone follow-up, ratings of participation burden and trial evaluation. Secondary outcomes measured changes in physical activity (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), quality of life (QoL; SF-36, FACT-L), and dyspnea (Cancer Dyspnea Scale). The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to assess changes over time.

Results

128 lung cancer survivors were screened, 29 were eligible (23%) and 14 recruited (43%), of which 50% lived in rural Western Australia.  Eleven participants (79%) completed the entire intervention; ten (71%) completed the post-intervention assessment. Mean adherence to telephone follow-up was 90%. For those completing post-testing, mean ratings of participation burden were low (i.e., all items <3/7), and trial evaluations were high (i.e., all items >6/7). Post-intervention there was a non-significant mean improvement of 77 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity (p=0.279). Dyspnea discomfort was significantly reduced following the intervention (p=0.042). Several domains of QoL significantly improved including general health (p=0.007), emotional well-being (p=0.042), and lung cancer concerns (p=0.011).

Conclusion

This pragmatic distance-based intervention had a high adherence rate and was reviewed favourably by participants. The post-intervention improvements in physical activity participation, quality of life, and dyspnea are likely meaningful for lung cancer survivors.

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