Feasibility of physical activity telecoaching after surgery in patients with NSCLC

<bold>Background:</bold> Patients with early stage (I-IIIA) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are typically treated via surgery, which may adversely affect physical activity (PA) levels. PA (tele)coaching programs aim to increase PA levels and have shown effectiveness in other chronic respiratory diseases. <bold>Aim:</bold> To explore feasibility, acceptability, actual usage and safety of 8 weeks PA telecoaching using an activity tracker (Fitbit) in patients with NSCLC 3-9 months after surgery. <bold>Methods:</bold> Patients were randomized into an automated (ACP) or manual coaching program (MCP). Primary outcomes were collected via questionnaires and an interview. Daily step count (DSC;DynaPort MoveMonitor) was objectively measured as secondary outcome. <bold>Results:</bold> 19 patients were included (12 male;age 69±6yrs;(neo)adjuvant therapy n=8;7821±2724 DSC). 18/19 of patients enjoyed the intervention. A minority of patients (3/19) reported difficulties using the smartphone. All patients did wear the Fitbit >90% of days. No adverse events were reported. Average contact time was significantly lower in ACP compared to MCP (25±14min vs 54±15 min, p=0.0003). Observed changes in DSC are limited in this highly active sample (ACP Δ290, MCP Δ-797;Fig 1). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> PA telecoaching is feasible, well accepted and safe in patients with NSCLC after surgery. Actual usage was excellent. ACP indicates a lower time investment for the coach. Enhancing PA proved challenging in a highly active sample. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA5009/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>