Impact of the Promoting Physical Activity in Regional and Remote Cancer Survivors intervention on health-related quality of life in breast and colorectal cancer survivors

<h4>Background:</h4> <p> The PPARCS trial examined the efficacy of a distance-based wearable and health coaching intervention to increase physical activity (PA) in breast and colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors living in non-metropolitan areas. This paper examines the effects of the intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 12 weeks (T2; end of intervention) and 24 weeks (T3; follow-up).</p> <h4>Methods:</h4> <p> Participants that were insufficiently physically active and had successfully completed cancer treatment were randomised to an intervention or control group. PA was assessed using an ActiGraph (GT9X) at baseline, T2, and T3. Intervention effects on HRQoL were analysed using quantile regression comparing treatment groups across time.</p> <h4>Results:</h4> <p> A total of 87 were randomised to intervention and control groups. There were generally no statistically significant differences between the groups on any HRQoL item except for pain. There was an arm (F(1, 219) = 5.0. p = 0.027) and time (F(2,221) = 4.8, p = 0.009) effect, reflecting the higher pain scores in the control group when collapsed across time points (median difference 16.7, CI 1.9 to 31.4, p = 0.027). For global HRQoL, the intervention group increased by 8.3 points between T1 and T2. The overall group median when collapsed across time was 16.7 points CI 8.2 to 25.2, p <0.001) greater in the intervention group than controls.</p> <h4>Conclusions:</h4> <p> While the PPARCS intervention resulted in significant increases in PA, participants indicated a high HRQoL at baseline, leaving little room for improvement. Findings suggest that PA may improve global HRQoL and pain in breast and CRC survivors.</p>

Promoting Physical Activity Improves Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors

What is it about?

This study evaluated the “Promoting Physical Activity in Regional and Remote Cancer Survivors” (PPARCS) intervention, designed to increase physical activity (PA) and improve quality of life in breast and colorectal cancer survivors living in non-metropolitan areas of Australia. Many cancer survivors in these regions face barriers to exercise, such as lack of access to programs, cost, and limited support. The intervention used wearable fitness trackers (Fitbit Charge 2™) and personalized health coaching via telephone to encourage participants to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Over 12 weeks, participants in the intervention group received coaching to set and achieve activity goals, while a control group received only an informational booklet. The study tracked PA levels and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using questionnaires and accelerometers at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Results showed that the intervention group significantly increased their weekly MVPA by about 67 minutes, and these gains were maintained at follow-up. While overall HRQoL improvements were limited due to high baseline scores, the intervention group showed meaningful increases in global quality of life and reduced levels of pain.

Why is it important?

Cancer survivors often face physical and emotional challenges that can lower their quality of life, including fatigue, pain, and reduced physical function. Regular physical activity is proven to help alleviate these issues, yet many survivors, particularly in rural or remote areas, struggle to meet recommended activity levels due to logistical and financial barriers. This study highlights the potential of using wearable technology and remote coaching to address these challenges. The PPARCS intervention demonstrates that a tailored, distance-based program can help participants increase physical activity and sustain these improvements over time. By improving access to exercise support, such programs can reduce health disparities for cancer survivors in underserved areas. The use of technology makes it scalable and adaptable for broader implementation, offering a cost-effective way to enhance cancer survivorship care and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. The PPARCS intervention increased weekly physical activity by 67 minutes.

2. Wearable technology and remote coaching support sustained lifestyle changes.

3. Participants reported improvements in global quality of life and reduced pain.

4. Distance-based interventions address barriers in remote cancer survivorship care.

5. Such programs are scalable and can improve health equity for rural populations.