Digitally Mediated Occupational Therapy to Increase Physical Activity in Urban and Rural Breast Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Single-Arm Feasibility Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer (BC) has increased in recent years. However, functional limitations associated with BC treatment (eg, loss of strength, fatigue, and lymphedema) often have far-reaching effects on survivors' physical and mental health. Aerobic physical activity (PA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) can reduce functional limitations, and occupational therapy (OT) can support these health-promoting behaviors after treatment. Yet, barriers to access among BC survivors (eg, time burden and distance to the OT clinic) limit participation in OT programing. This is particularly true in Oklahoma, where 33% of residents live in rural counties. Digital technologies (eg, telehealth) can help urban and rural BC survivors circumvent these barriers.

SUBMITTER: Klinedinst TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12514410 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature