State of research, feasibility, safety, acceptability, and outcomes examined on remotely delivered exercises using technology for older adult with cancer: a scoping review

S Sattar; E Papadopoulos; G V H Smith; K R Haase; F Kobekyaa; I Tejero; C Bradley; M B Nadler; K L Campbell; D Santa Mina; S M H Alibhai

doi:10.1007/s11764-023-01427-9

State of research, feasibility, safety, acceptability, and outcomes examined on remotely delivered exercises using technology for older adult with cancer: a scoping review

J Cancer Surviv. 2024 Dec;18(6):1861-1888. doi: 10.1007/s11764-023-01427-9. Epub 2023 Jul 7.

Authors

S Sattar^#¹, E Papadopoulos^#^{2

3}, G V H Smith⁴, K R Haase⁵, F Kobekyaa⁵, I Tejero⁶, C Bradley⁷, M B Nadler^{3

8}, K L Campbell⁴, D Santa Mina⁹, S M H Alibhai^{2

3

10}

Affiliations

¹ College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, 108-4400 4th Ave, Regina, SK, S4T 0H6, Canada. schroder.sattar@usask.ca.
² Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.
³ Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, 6 Queen's Park Crescent West, 3/F, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H2, Canada.
⁴ Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 212 - 2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
⁵ Faculty of Applied Science, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211, Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
⁶ Department of Geriatric Medicine, Parc de Salut Mar, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 25, 29, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
⁷ Library, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada.
⁸ Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.
⁹ Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6, Canada.
¹⁰ Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Ste. 425, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M6, Canada.

^# Contributed equally.

PMID: 37418170
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01427-9

Abstract

Introduction: Technology-based exercise is gaining attention as a promising strategy for increasing physical activity (PA) in older adults with cancer (OACA). However, a comprehensive understanding of the interventions, their feasibility, outcomes, and safety is limited. This scoping review (1) assessed the prevalence and type of technology-based remotely delivered exercise interventions for OACA and (2) explored the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and outcomes in these interventions.

Methods: Studies with participant mean/median age ≥ 65 reporting at least one outcome measure were included. Databases searched included the following: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library Online, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO. Multiple independent reviewers completed screening and data abstractions of articles in English, French, and Spanish.

Results: The search yielded 2339 citations after removing duplicates. Following title and abstract screening, 96 full texts were review, and 15 were included. Study designs were heterogeneous, and sample sizes were diverse (range 14-478). The most common technologies used were website/web portal (n = 6), videos (n = 5), exergaming (n = 2), accelerometer/pedometer with video and/or website (n = 4), and live-videoconferencing (n = 2). Over half (9/15) of the studies examined feasibility using various definitions; feasibility outcomes were reached in all. Common outcomes examined include lower body function and quality of life. Adverse events were uncommon and minor were reported. Qualitative studies identified cost- and time-savings, healthcare professional support, and technology features that encourage engagement as facilitators.

Conclusion: Remote exercise interventions using technology appear to be feasible and acceptable in OACA.

Implications for cancer survivors: Some remote exercise interventions may be a viable way to increase PA for OACA.

Keywords: Cancer; Exercise; Older adults; Research; Technology.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Cancer Survivors
Exercise
Exercise Therapy* / methods
Feasibility Studies*
Humans
Neoplasms* / therapy
Quality of Life
Telemedicine