IJCM_154A: Feasibility and Adherence of the Multimodal Oncology Rehabilitation Exercise (MORE) program amongst head and neck cancer survivors in a tertiary care hospital in India – A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Owing to the improvements in the diagnostic and treatment modalities, survivorship outcomes have improved drastically among cancer survivors across the globe. A mounting body of evidence states that exercise can significantly benefit physical and mental health during the various stages of anti-cancer treatment. A frequently used outcome measure used to determine exercise adherence rates and the causes for adherence and non-adherence is the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS). Objective: To assess the adherence of a tailored home Multimodal Oncology Rehabilitation Exercise (MORE) program amongst head and neck cancer survivors in a tertiary care hospital in India using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS). Methodology: The EARS tool was provided to a sample of 22 head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors with stages III to IVb during the 3rd month follow-up. The home exercise program consisted of a template provided to the survivors on the day of discharge. The program consisted of tailored exercises i.e., cognitive motor strategies, a physical exercise program and relaxation strategies. Additionally, the participants were provided with an activity log to record the time, duration and any adverse events occurring during the exercise program. Results: The 6-item EARS tool was administered to the 22 HNC survivors. 45.5% of the 22 survivors regarded ‘lack of time’ as a barrier to exercising regularly. 18% of the survivors claimed to often forget exercising on a regular basis as recommended by the therapist. However, 50% of the survivors performed most or all of the exercises on a regular basis. Conclusion: Lack of time, forgetting to exercise and not fitting the exercises into regular routine can be regarded as essential barriers to adherence to the exercise regimen. The participants did not report any adverse events during the course of the exercise routine.