Feasibility and Acceptability of an Web-based Physical Activity Program, for Those Diagnosed With Lung Cancer.

Feasibility and Acceptability of an Online Web-based Physical Activity Program, for Those Living With and Beyond Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer is a life changing disease which can cause negative effects on an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and their quality of life (QoL). Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and is estimated affects approximately 33,000 individuals per year.

The most common side effects from lung cancer and treatments are breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, and depression. Those living beyond cancer often suffer from extreme feelings of isolation and have increased chance of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Physical activity is a vital component of the prevention and management of cancer. Being active can improve one's physical health (ability to carry out tasks of daily living and breathlessness) and emotional wellbeing (feelings of depression and isolation).

Electronic platforms (websites and mobile applications) are increasingly popular within developing nations, particularly with products that aim to increase and keep track of physical activity. Though, literature suggests older adults prefer websites opposed to mobile applications. Online delivery of physical activity could be highly beneficial for patients living with and beyond cancer, reducing the location-based inequality of those who can not attend face-to-face programmes, allowing individuals to carry out a session whenever they can, in the comfort of their own home.

Exploring how those living with and beyond lung cancer use a website and investigating the feasibility and acceptability on an online platform which aims to provide tailored physical activity programs will provide fundamental data and possible supporting data for a randomised controlled trail (RCT).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have had a lung cancer diagnosis.
• Be able to speak and read in English.
• Willing and able to provide informed consent.
• Have internet connectivity.
• Access to a laptop, computer, or smart device to access the web-based platform.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychological or linguistic inability to provide informed consent.

• Physical or psychological impairments which prevent or inhibit participation in physical activity. Examples include:

  • Uncontrolled atrial fibrillation
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
  • Recent heart attack (less than one year)
  • Recent stroke (less than one year)
  • Psychiatric disorder
  • Those who lack capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA).