Physical activity in cancer rehabilitation and technology acceptance: results from the “Oncology in motion” project

Aims: The international literature underlines that physical activity has a role in preventing cancer and is beneficial for cancer recovery and rehabilitation. Therefore, patient education is essential to stimulate training. Telemedicine and e health tools like apps and wearables can support patients’ education and the monitoring of their health condition and progress. Methods: The article reports the results of the Oncology in Motion telemedicine program of the National Cancer Institute of Aviano, Italy, to provide breast cancer patients with a personalized fitness path and telemonitoring. Results: 144 women took part in the program. Low adherence was recorded, performing the customized training schedule and, for those women sticking to the plan, using the technological devices and submitting the training data to the Institute. Conclusion: Low technology acceptance and literacy, laziness, and lack of collaboration between cancer centers stood among the causes of low adherence, calling for more comprehensive and effective educational programs and support to stimulate physical activity and the use of new devices to get personalized counseling and contribute to the creation of knowledge.