Feasibility of a virtual hybrid resistance and balance training program for older patients with cancer and its preliminary effects on lower body strength and balance.

Abstract

12002 Background: Falls are a major issue among older patients with cancer and can lead to interruption in cancer treatment. Ample evidence shows resistance and balance training can prevent falls in older adults; however, there is a paucity of evidence regarding exercise on fall prevention in the older cancer population, who often have unique risk factors for falls. Given the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, minimizing group gatherings and its associated risks is imperative for older patients, who are a vulnerable population. This study sought to investigate the feasibility of an 8-week, virtual exercise program and its preliminary effects on lower body strength and balance in community-dwelling cancer patients. Methods: Study participants were recruited for this pretest-posttest intervention study using consecutive sampling over a one-year period from the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Alberta. The intervention entailed leg muscle strengthening and balance training exercises that progressed in difficulty as outlined by the Otago program, and involved a virtual component (facilitated live by a certified exercise physiologist via Zoom meeting platform once a week) and independent at-home training component (twice a week). Lower body strength and balance were assessed using the 5-times chair-stand and the 4-stage balance test, respectively, and were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Results: Twenty-seven older patients (mean age 70.1, range 65-76) participated. The most common cancer sites were breast (48%) and prostate (41%). One participant withdrew due to personal reasons unrelated to the program. The remaining 26 participants completed the intervention. Attendance rate for the virtual component was 97.6% and independent component 84.7%. Participants perceived the program as rewarding and enjoyable (100%), felt this program prepared them to exercise on their own (92%), were confident to continue exercising on their own (81%), and would recommend the program to other patients (100%). At baseline, 33% (n = 9) ≥1 fall over the past 6 months. A statistically significant improvement in lower body strength was detected post-intervention ( p =.001), whereas no difference was detected in balance ( p =.059). Conclusions: This virtual, hybrid resistance and balance training program was feasible, overwhelmingly accepted by our older participants, and appeared effective in improving lower body strength. Findings from this study may have potential to inform design of a larger, randomized multi-site study.