The Effects of an App-Based Physical Activity Program on Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Oxaliplatin, which is used as adjuvant chemotherapy, affects quality of life by causing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients.

Objectives: This study examined the effects of an application (app)-based physical activity program for alleviating peripheral neuropathy symptoms in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: This was a randomized controlled study that included 34 patients undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Outcomes were compared between patients who participated in a 6-week app-based physical activity program (experimental group; n = 17) and who received standard booklet education (control group; n = 17). Data were collected using questionnaires, and exercise time was recorded to evaluate intervention adherence.

Results: Significant differences were observed between the groups in peripheral neuropathy symptoms ( F = 8.93, P = . 002), interference with activities ( Z = -2.55, P = .011), and quality of life ( F = 7.65, P = . 003). The experimental group showed significantly higher average exercise times at 1 to 4 weeks ( Z = -2.10, P = . 026), 5 to 6 weeks ( Z = -4.02, P < . 001), and 1 to 6 weeks ( Z = -3.40, P = . 001) than the control group.

Conclusions: The app-based physical activity program had a positive effect on participants' exercise adherence and reduced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Thus, we propose the adoption of a mobile health app that can be used at any time or place as an intervention for preventing or alleviating adverse effects during the treatment of cancer patients.

Implications for practice: An app-based physical activity program using the mobile health app can be used as a nursing intervention to manage symptoms and increase the health behavior adherence in cancer patients.