Remotely delivered exercise to older rural cancer survivors: a randomized controlled pilot trial

PURPOSE: The study aimed to determine the feasibility of remotely delivered exercise (tele-exercise) for older, rural cancer survivors and to explore the effects of tele-exercise on physical function, physical activity, and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: Participants were rural cancer survivors age [Formula: see text] 60 years (79% female; mean age 70.4 ± 5.7) randomly assigned to the remotely delivered EnhanceFitness (tele-EF) exercise program, inclusive of aerobic, strength, and balance training and led by American Council on Exercise certified instructors for 1 h, 3 days/week for 16 weeks (n = 20) or to a waitlist control group (n = 19). We assessed feasibility, physical function, accelerometer-measured physical activity, and patient-reported outcomes at baseline and post intervention. RESULTS: Among those screened as eligible, 44 (64%) consented to participate with 39 randomized after completing baseline measures. Attrition was equivalent between groups (n = 1, each) with 95% completing the study. The median class attendance rate was 86.9% (interquartile range: 79–94%). Compared to controls, tele-EF participants had statistically significant improvement in the five-time sit-to-stand test (− 3.4 vs. − 1.1 s, p = 0.03, effect size = 0.44), mean daily light physical activity (+ 38.5 vs 0.5 min, p = 0.03, effect size = 0.72) and step counts (+ 1977 vs. 33, p = 0.01, effect size = 0.96). There were no changes in self-efficacy for exercise, fatigue, or sleep disturbance between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that tele-EF is feasible in older, rural cancer survivors and results in positive changes in physical function and physical activity. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Tele-EF addresses common barriers to exercise for older, rural cancer survivors, including limited accessible opportunities for professional instruction and supervision. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11764-022-01292-y.