Effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program on quality of life, psychological health, and the level of physical activity in colorectal cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a home-based exercise program on quality of life (QOL), psychological health, and the level of physical activity (PA) in colorectal cancer survivors.

METHODS: Seventy-one colorectal cancer survivors were randomized into either a home-based exercise group (N = 37) or control group (N = 34). The home-based exercise program included unsupervised walking, stationary bike, or swimming for aerobic exercise, as well as resistance exercise DVDs, a pedometer, and an exercise log. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale, patient health questionnaire, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire were used to assess QOL, fatigue, depression, and PA levels.

RESULTS: Among the 71 participants, 30 in the exercise group and 28 in the control group completed the study. The change in the QOL between the intervention and control groups was insignificant. However, QOL was significantly improved in the exercise group (QOL, p = 0.024). Sub-domain of QOL, emotional well-being, and trial outcome index-physical/functional/colorectal (p = 0.015 and p = 0.035, respectively) were improved in the exercise group. The level of PA was significantly increased after 12 weeks in the exercise group (97.0 ± 188.5 vs. 332.6 ± 306.1, p < 0.001), and the change significantly differed compared with the control group (mean change 235.6 vs. 16.3, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The home-based exercise program may improve the QOL and psychological health in colorectal cancer survivors. We have demonstrated that the home-based exercise program was effective in increasing the level of PA in colorectal cancer survivors.