Feasibility of a Tele-Rehabilitation Program to Improve Quality of Life in Adults with Cancer: A Prospective Study Using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Scale
Preksha Jain, Jafar Khan, Manoj U. Mahajan, Anuradha Abhijeet DaptardarBackground:
Cancer and its treatment can significantly impair quality of life, while access to rehabilitation services remains limited for many individuals with cancer. Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as a promising approach to delivering rehabilitation remotely. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a 12-week tele-rehabilitation program on health-related quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scale.
Methods:
A prospective single-group interventional feasibility study was conducted among 40 adult individuals with cancer. Participants underwent a 12-week tele-rehabilitation program comprising supervised exercise therapy, breathing exercises, mobility training, and patient education delivered remotely. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the FACT-G questionnaire at baseline, first follow-up, and second follow-up. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, adherence, and safety. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student paired
Results:
Of the 40 enrolled individuals, 35 completed the study, yielding a retention rate of 87.5%. Mean adherence was 89.9%, with no intervention-related adverse events reported. Mean total FACT-G scores improved significantly from 82.35 ± 17.04 at baseline to 91.60 ± 14.29 at first follow-up and 93.21 ± 19.63 at second follow-up (
Conclusions:
A 12-week tele-rehabilitation program was feasible, safe, and acceptable for adult individuals with cancer. Improvements in overall and domain-specific FACT-G scores suggest that tele-rehabilitation may enhance quality of life and expand access to rehabilitation services. Larger controlled studies are warranted to confirm these findings and establish long-term effectiveness.