Digital Rehabilitation Program for Breast Cancer Survivors on Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

<p>Background: Breast cancer survivors often face physical and psychological challenges, including weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and reduced quality of life. To address these concerns, a mobile app-based rehabilitation program called “THRIVE” was developed to improve physical activity, medication adherence, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population. Methods: This prospective, single-arm study assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of the “THRIVE” app among breast cancer survivors undergoing hormonal therapy. Participants were recruited from Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong between December 2022 and June 2023. Eligible survivors had completed treatment within the last five years or had stable advanced disease on hormonal therapy. Participants monitored their exercise, medication adherence, and self-care via the app and a Fitbit activity tracker for 16 weeks. Primary outcomes included recruitment, dropout, adherence rates, and safety. Secondary outcomes, measured at baseline and week 16, included physical activity intensity, HRQoL, psychological stress, body composition, and app satisfaction. Results: A total of 50 participants, with a median age of 53 years, completed the study. The recruitment rate was 70.4% with no dropouts. The adherence rate, measured by completing exercises recommended in the mobile app at least three times per week, was 74%. No severe adverse events were reported. While physical activity intensity showed no significant changes from baseline to week 16 (p = 0.24), cognitive function (p = 0.021), future perspective (p = 0.044), arm symptoms (p = 0.042), depression (p = 0.01), and anxiety (p = 0.004) improved. All participants reported perfect medication compliance (100%). Satisfaction with the app was high. Conclusions: This mobile app-based rehabilitation program demonstrated good feasibility, with satisfactory recruitment, adherence, and safety, providing valuable insights into future definitive studies.</p>