Mitigation of decline with virtual exercise with lung cancer (MoVE with lung cancer) − A promising approach to enhance physiological strength, improve body composition, and build upon current evidence

Abstract

Introduction

Exercise can mitigate declines in physical function for patients with cancer, but in-person exercise programs for patients with advanced lung cancer often face low recruitment and retention. This prospective study assessed the feasibility of virtual exercise for patients with advanced lung cancer.

Methods

Mitigation of decline with Virtual Exercise (MoVE) with Lung Cancer was a prospective, single-arm, feasibility study. Patients with advanced lung cancer undergoing systemic therapy in British Columbia, Canada participated in a 12-week group exercise program delivered twice weekly via Zoom. Feasibility measures included accrual, recruitment rate, attendance, adherence, attrition, adverse events, and group belongingness. Efficacy was assessed via effect on physical function, cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and quality of life (QoL).

Results

Twenty-seven patients were enrolled (median age = 66 years). Most had adenocarcinoma (92 %) and were on targeted therapy (73 %). Recruitment rate was 61 %, attrition 4 %, attendance 87 %, and adherence 96 %. Significant improvements were seen in gait speed (Z = 2.759, p = 0.006), 30-second chair stand (Z = 3.810, p < 0.001), 30-second bicep curl (Z = 4.209, p < 0.001), 8-foot timed up and go (Z = −3.148, p = 0.002), six minute walk test (Z = 3.124, p = 0.002), and QoL (FACT-G post hoc p = 0.005). Participants’ skeletal muscle index increased by 0.9 cm² (p = 0.033). Participant satisfaction was high (4.6/5).

Conclusions

A 12-week virtually supervised exercise program for patients with advanced lung cancer showed high attendance and adherence, with significant improvements in physical function and positive participant feedback. These results demonstrate that physical function can be maintained or improved during systemic treatments for advanced lung cancer.