A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Combined Supervised- and Home-Based Exercise to Improve Cancer-Related Symptoms in 1-3 Colorectal Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of a home-based exercise program specifically developed to improve bowel/defecatory and physical function in stage 1–3 colorectal cancer patients.METHODS: A total of 15 (56.7 years, 6 men and 9 women) stage 1–3 colorectal cancer survivors were recruited. Participants in the exercise group met with an exercise therapist once a week, 6 times over 6 weeks, where 1-hour exercise sessions (12 different resistance exercises, 10–15 reps, 2–3 sets) and an education session were provided. Participants in the exercise group were then asked to carry out the same exercises daily, at home. Their compliance was monitored through daily exercise logs. Participants in the control group did not receive any exercise education or intervention. Anthropometric measurements, physical function, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at the 6th week in both groups. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants in the exercise group for a qualitative study.RESULTS: All 15 participants completed the trial and their data were included in the analyses. Stool frequency, flatulence, and embarrassment were significantly improved in the exercise group (pre vs. post, p<.05), while flatulence and embarrassment were significantly improved in comparison to the control group (between-group p-value=.014, and .025 respectively). Through in-depth interviews, participants reported that their body composition, physical fitness, and physical function improved, while symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, stool frequency, flatulence, and embarrassment reduced after participation in the exercise program.CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot feasibility study showed that home-based exercises provided to colorectal cancer survivors were feasible based on their compliance and qualitative data. In addition, participation in the current exercise program resulted in improvement in their bowel and defecatory function and quality of life.