Prehabilitation Via a Mobile Application in Oesophago-gastric Cancer

An Investigation of the Feasibility and Impact of a mHealth Prehabilitation Programme for Patients With Oesophago-gastric Cancer: The mPOC Study

The overall aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a mHealth prehabilitation programme delivered via a mobile app for people with oesophago-gastric cancer by evaluating its user satisfaction and acceptance. The research question asks what is the feasibility of a mHealth prehabilitation programme delivered via a mobile app for patients with oesophago-gastric cancer?

The primary aim of this single centred feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to explore the recruitment, adherence, and compliance of taking part in a mHealth prehabilitation programme delivered for 6 weeks via a mobile app prior to oesophago-gastric surgery. This study will develop a prehabilitation programme to investigate the feasibility and impact of delivering prehabilitation via a mobile app to patients with a diagnosis of oesophago-gastric cancer before surgery.

The study will test a six-week mHealth prehabilitation programme delivered via a modified mobile application called the asensei app. Asensei is a commercial company who have already successfully developed a digital platform known as the asensei app that delivers tailored training with individualised programmes and automated responsive feedback for the fitness industry via mobile applications. In summary, participants recruited to the study will require three visits to the hospital for measures to be taken. Outcome measurements will be taken at baseline (T0), prior to surgery (T1) and 30 days post surgery (T2). Outcome measures relating to feasibility, physical and nutritional functioning as well as quality of life will be collected at the above specified three time points (T0,1,2). There will also be weekly phone calls and one to one discussion after the six weeks of prehabilitation to explore how useful people have found the app and how easy and engaging it was to navigate. This study will gain valuable insight into the role mHealth applications could offer in preventing functional decline, improving quality of life and preventing secondary complications in patients with a diagnosis of cancer prior to surgery.

Participants will need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of oesophago-gastric cancer awaiting surgery,
• 18 years of age or over,
• Medically stable to participate in a prehabilitation programme with exercise intervention, English speaking,
• Access to an iPhone
• Able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medically unstable,
• Diagnosis of metastatic cancer,
• Contraindications for physical activity,
• Presence of a pacemaker or other internal medical device,
• Uncontrolled blood pressure and or heart arrhythmias.