Efficacy of mobile healthcare application and wearable device in improvement of exercise capacity in prostate cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy

Introduction/Background Androgen ablation therapy (ADP) in prostate cancer patients may cause complications such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and fatigue. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of regular rehabilitation exercise using smart after care in improvement of exercise capacity in prostate cancer patients undergoing ADP. Material and method The prostate cancer patients under ADT with age of or over 40 years were recruited and randomly allocated. The exercise group was provided with a smart aftercare program application and wearable device, providing general health information, nutritional and medication care and rehabilitation program which was adjusted in level according to the test results at 6 weeks follow up. The patients visited at time of enrollment, 6 weeks and 12 weeks and their physical performance status (2 minutes’ walk test, 30-second chair stand test, grip strength test, short physical performance battery) was tested. The quality of life and satisfaction was evaluated with questionnaires (EORTC QLQ C30, PR 25) and body composition was additionally measured. Results After 12 weeks, the exercise group showed significant improvement in social functioning ( P  = 0.016) as well as in appetite loss ( P  = 0.048) ( Table 1 ). Both groups showed significant improvement in urinary symptom, whereas the exercise group additionally showed significant improvement in sexual functioning ( P  = 0.032). In the aspect of physical performance, both groups showed significant improvement in 30s chair stand test and 2 minutes’ walk test after 12 weeks of smart aftercare program, whereas the exercise group had additional significant improvement in right hand grip strength ( P  = 0.047) and reduction in body fat percentage ( P  = 0.003)( Table 2 ). Conclusion The smart aftercare program is a safe, highly satisfied method that also helps increase compliance among participants. Therefore it is an effective method in prostate cancer patients under hormone therapy in improving exercise capacity and general health related quality of life.