The Effects of an App-Based Physical Activity Program on Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Oxaliplatin, which is used as adjuvant chemotherapy, affects quality of life by causing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients. This study examined the effects of an application (app)-based physical activity program for alleviating peripheral neuropathy symptoms in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This was a randomized controlled study that included 34 patients undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Outcomes were compared between patients who participated in a 6-week app-based physical activity program (experimental group; n = 17) and who received standard booklet education (control group; n = 17). Data were collected using questionnaires, and exercise time was recorded to evaluate intervention adherence. Significant differences were observed between the groups in peripheral neuropathy symptoms (F = 8.93, P = .002), interference with activities (Z = -2.55, P = .011), and quality of life (F = 7.65, P = .003). The experimental group showed significantly higher average exercise times at 1 to 4 weeks (Z = -2.10, P = .026), 5 to 6 weeks (Z = -4.02, P < .001), and 1 to 6 weeks (Z = -3.40, P = .001) than the control group. The app-based physical activity program had a positive effect on participants' exercise adherence and reduced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Thus, we propose the adoption of a mobile health app that can be used at any time or place as an intervention for preventing or alleviating adverse effects during the treatment of cancer patients. An app-based physical activity program using the mobile health app can be used as a nursing intervention to manage symptoms and increase the health behavior adherence in cancer patients.