Feasibility study to evaluate compliance of physical activity over a long time period and its influence on the total activity score, glucose metabolism and physical and psychological parameters following breast cancer

App-Based Lifestyle Intervention (PINK! Coach) in Breast Cancer Patients-A Real-World-Data Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Overweight and a lack of physical activity not only increase the risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients but also negatively impact overall and long-term survival, as well as quality of life. The results presented here are the first real-world data from the DiGA PINK! Coach examining the physical activity and BMI of app users. Based on the literature, an approximate weight gain of 10% over 6 months and a decrease in physical activity can be expected. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively investigate the effects of the PINK! Coach in a real-world setting on patients' BMI and physical activity level during acute therapies. such as chemotherapy (CHT) and antihormone therapy (AHT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The PINK! Coach app accompanies breast cancer patients during and after acute therapy to bring about a sustainable lifestyle change. The patients are encouraged to establish a healthy diet, become physically active, and make informed decisions. In this study, real-world data from the app were analyzed over 6 months from baseline to T1 (after 12 weeks) and T2 (after 24 weeks). The patients were under acute therapy or in follow-up care receiving either CHT or AHT.

RESULTS

The analyzed data indicate that all patients were able to maintain a consistent BMI over 6 months independent of pre-defined subgroups such as AHT, CHT, or BMI subgroups. In the subgroup of patients undergoing AHT, overweight patients were even able to significantly reduce their BMI by 1-score-point over 6 months (p < 0.01). The subgroup of patients undergoing CHT also showed an significant overall reduction in BMI (p = 0.01). All patients were also able to significantly increase their daily step count as well as their physical activity minutes per day. After the first 12 weeks, 41.4% of patients experienced weight gain, 33.4% were able to maintain their weight, and 24.2% reduced their weight.

CONCLUSION

The presented data provides intriguing insights into the users of the PINK! Coach app and the impact of this usage in regards to BMI and physical activity. At the current time, there are only a few effective concepts for encouraging all breast cancer patients to engage in moderate physical activity and reduce body weight. Often, these concepts apply to selected patient groups. The data presented here include all age groups, tumor stages, and therapies, providing an initial insight into a comprehensive approach. Data over an even longer period would be one way to better contextualize the results in current research.

First exercise group for Turkish breast cancer patients in Vienna - a pilot project to include Turkish migrants

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to describe the acceptance and feasibility of an exercise intervention in breast cancer patients of Turkish origin in Austria by using a hand-held swinging-ring system.Methods: The inclusion period lasted 1 year (1 February 2016-31 January 2017). In a multicentre cooperation, Turkish female breast cancer patients were included by using face-to-face information, email, facebook^®, phone, and notice boards. The exercise program consisted of 1) supervised and 2) home-based exercise by using the smovey^® vibroswing system. Feasibility and acceptance were assessed by using the Austrian school grading system and a qualitative approach after 3 months. Furthermore, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength, body composition (BIA), and health-related quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 3 months (T1).Results: Only 5 breast cancer patients could be included, from whom one dropped out due to breast cancer recurrence. The exercise intervention showed no side effects and was well accepted by all 4 patients. Furthermore, results of the 6MWT, handgrip strength, BIA, and QOL improved.Conclusion: These results indicate notable barriers towards regular physical activity in female Turkish breast cancer patients in Austria. Four out of five of those involved were comfortable with the intervention. Therefore, it seems to be essential to further address these barriers in order to plan and implement effective interventions.Implications for RehabilitationExercise is an effective means of improving health and quality of life experienced by female patients suffering from breast cancer.Although extensive efforts were taken only a minority of Turkish female patients attended a structured exercise program.It seems to be essential to further address barriers to exercise in order to plan and implement effective interventions.