Factors Associated with Patient Interest in a Digital Exercise and Mind-Body Program for Patients Undergoing Active Cancer Treatment: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial
In brief
Nearly 9 in 10 cancer trial participants registered for a digital class
Among 99 participants offered a 12-week digital program during cancer treatment, 88.9% registered for at least one class and 70.7% for three or more; yoga and fitness were the most popular choices. Radiation therapy was linked to fewer registrations, while age, ethnicity and employment aligned with preferences for specific classes. The small, single-arm analysis points to the value of flexible options, but does not show whether tailoring boosts engagement.
- Journal
- Cancers (Q1)
- Published
- 23 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Karolina Bryl, Esin Namoglu, Susan Chimonas, Raymond E Baser, Hyowoun Jyung, Jun J Mao, et al.
- PMID
- 42882786
- DOI
- 10.3390/cancers18193092
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Radiation Oncology (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Ranked by evidence level and journal quartile
Abstract
Background/Objectives: As digital health interventions gain traction in oncology care, understanding factors influencing patient participation is critical to optimizing delivery and enhancing symptom management. Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with patient interest in a 12-week digital exercise and mind-body program among patients undergoing cancer treatment were examined. Methods: A secondary analysis of the IMPROVE trial was conducted. This trial evaluated the effects of Integrative Medicine at Home (IM@Home) versus enhanced usual care on fatigue among adults with breast, thoracic, gynecologic, or head/neck cancers or melanoma. Analyses were limited to participants randomized to the IM@Home arm (N = 99). Patient interest was operationalized as the number and type of class registrations. Associations with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were examined using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results: Among 99 participants (mean age 60.8 ± 12.7 years; 91.9% female), 88.9% registered for at least one class and 70.7% registered for ≥3 classes. Yoga (64.6%) and fitness (63.6%) were the most commonly selected modalities. Receipt of radiation therapy was associated with fewer class registrations (p = 0.01). Older participants were more likely to register for music therapy (p = 0.01), non-Hispanic participants were less likely to register for tai chi/qigong (p = 0.04), and participants who were not employed were less likely to register for yoga (p = 0.02) but more likely to register for dance (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Select patient-level characteristics were associated with preference for different modalities in a digital integrative medicine program, underscoring the importance of flexible, patient-centered design to support personalization, equity, and engagement in supportive oncology care.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.