A recent study examining the effectiveness of a telemedicine-based exercise programme for cancer survivors (CS) has shown encouraging results, though it did not meet the predefined criteria for non-inferiority when compared to traditional rehabilitation sports groups (RG). The study, which involved 92 participants, aimed to determine whether telemedicine-based exercise could provide a viable alternative to conventional exercise therapy in cancer survivor aftercare.
Participants were divided into two groups: 61 patients engaged in the telemedicine-based exercise programme (TE), while 31 attended a traditional rehabilitation sports group. The primary outcome of the study was cardiopulmonary fitness, measured by VO2peak, with secondary outcomes including quality of life (QoL), fatigue, and physical activity levels. Although the telemedicine group showed a slight advantage in VO2peak compared to the control group, the difference was not statistically significant.
Despite this, the findings suggest that telemedicine-based exercise can be an effective option for some cancer survivors, particularly younger patients. Many participants responded well to the remote exercise programme, with notable improvements in their quality of life. This indicates that telemedicine could provide a more personalised approach to aftercare, especially in light of the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The study highlights the potential for telemedicine to improve the well-being of cancer survivors, with personalised exercise interventions offering an alternative or complement to traditional rehabilitation methods. Further research is required to optimise these programmes for individual patient needs.
Helena Bradbury, EMJ
Reference
Krell V et al. Telemedicine-based exercise intervention in cancer survivors: a non-randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports. 2024;14:30615.
