MPs, Vol. 6, Pages 51: The Streaming Web-Based Exercise at Home Study for Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study Protocol

MPs, Vol. 6, Pages 51: The Streaming Web-Based Exercise at Home Study for Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study Protocol

Methods and Protocols doi: 10.3390/mps6030051

Authors: Celina H. Shirazipour Rachel M. Ruggieri-Bacani Laura Lockshon Christopher Waring Aubrey Jarman Novalyn Cruz Catherine Bresee Angela J. Fong Pao-Hwa Lin Gillian Gresham Arash Asher Stephen J. Freedland

Background: Despite the known benefits of physical activity in cancer survivors, adherence to exercise guidelines remains low. Known barriers to adhering to guidelines include a lack of time and an unwillingness to return to treatment facilities. Virtual exercise programming could assist in mitigating these barriers. This protocol presents a single arm pilot study exploring the feasibility of personalized Zoom-delivered exercise training for breast and prostate cancer survivors. A secondary objective is to determine the preliminary efficacy of participation on body composition, estimated VO2max, hand grip, one repetition maximum leg press, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, exercise self-efficacy, and intentions to remain active. Methods: Breast (n = 10) and prostate (n = 10) cancer survivors will participate in a 24-week feasibility study, including (1) 12 weeks of one-on-one virtual personal training with an exercise physiologist (EP) via Zoom, and (2) individual exercise for a 12-week follow-up period using recordings of Zoom sessions for guidance. Physical assessments and surveys will be implemented at baseline, 12 weeks, and at the end of the study (24 weeks from baseline). Conclusions: While virtual exercise programming became popularized during the pandemic, evidence is still required to understand whether it can successfully address barriers and promote participation.