Feasibility and acceptability of home-based strength training in endometrial cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose: Physical activity is important for healthy cancer survivorship, yet many endometrial cancer survivors do not participate in recommended muscle-strengthening activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of home-based muscle strengthening activity in endometrial cancer survivors.

Methods: Forty post-treatment endometrial cancer survivors were enrolled in a randomized trial, of twice-weekly home-based strength exercise versus wait-list control. The intervention included educational materials, exercise equipment (dumbbells, resistance bands), and support/feedback via video coaching sessions. Participants completed the exercises twice per week for 10 weeks, with a 5-week follow-up period. Feasibility was measured by program adherence, as well as safety of and satisfaction with the study.

Results: On average, participants were 60.9 years old (SD = 8.7), had a BMI of 39.9 kg/m² (SD = 15.2), and were 2.9 years (SD = 1.2) since diagnosis. The majority (83%) had stage I disease at diagnosis. Seventy-five percent adhered to the exercise prescription of twice/week, with 85% of participants missing fewer than 3 of the workouts. Forty percent of participants continued workouts during the 5-week follow-up. Participants were highly satisfied with intervention. No injuries or adverse everts occurred.

Conclusion: This home-based program was feasible in endometrial cancer survivors. While adherence was measured, future research should focus on long-term maintenance of exercise and should explore progressions and modifications of exercises at a distance for various abilities.

Implications for cancer survivors: Muscle strengthening activities are recommended for all cancer survivors. This study shows that a home-based muscle strengthening exercise is feasible in endometrial cancer survivors.

Keywords: Endometrial cancer; Exercise; Home based; Muscle; Strength; Survivorship.

Fig. 1

CONSORT diagram of recruitment for study

Fig. 2

Exercise intervention ratings of intervention components. Participants rated each component on satisfaction and importance in helping them to achieve the intervention goals. Responses were collected anonymously from the exercise arm, with 16/19 participants providing responses. Note: Participants were only asked to rate satisfaction for the study overall; they did not rate the importance of the study itself