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

INTRODUCTION: Supervision, tailoring, and flexibility have been proposed as key program elements for delivering successful exercise programs for people with multiple myeloma (MM). However, no studies to date have evaluated the acceptability of an intervention employing these components. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability of a virtually supported exercise program and eHealth application for people with MM. METHODS: A qualitative description approach was used. One-on-one interviews were conducted with participants who completed the exercise program. Content analysis was used to analyze verbatim transcripts from interviews. RESULTS: Twenty participants were interviewed (64.9 ± 6.7 years of age, n = 12 females). Participants had positive perceptions of the exercise program. Two themes emerged related to strengths/limitations: One Size Does Not Fit All (sub-themes: Supportive & Responsive Programming and Diverse Exercise Opportunities), and App Usability. Supportive and Responsive Programming was a main strength of the program, characterized as programming that was tailored, involved active support, and delivered by appropriate personnel. The inclusion of Diverse Exercise Opportunities was also regarded as a strength, as it accommodated the preferences of all participants. Related to App Usability, participants felt the app was simple and user friendly but had a few less intuitive components. CONCLUSION: The virtually supported exercise program and eHealth application were acceptable for people with MM. Programs should employ tailoring, active support, and appropriate personnel to bolster acceptability and include both supervised and flexible exercise formats. eHealth apps should be simple to use so technology proficiency is not a barrier to participation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-023-07762-y.