Evaluating an online-delivered resistance exercise intervention for racially diverse breast cancer survivors using the RE-AIM framework.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience persistent physical and psychological effects after treatment, with racially diverse groups demonstrating lower adherence to cancer-specific resistance exercise guidelines. Online resistance exercise interventions show promise for enhancing accessibility and health outcomes among BCS. However, evidence regarding their feasibility of implementation remains limited. Yet, such information is critical for assessing scalability and implementation in non-laboratory settings.

PURPOSE: Using the RE-AIM (reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework, this study evaluated the reach, efficacy, adoption, and implementation of a 12-week, supervised, online resistance exercise intervention for racially diverse BCS.

METHODS

A mixed methods approach with a pre-post-study design was used. Quantitative outcomes included sociodemographic representativeness (reach), physical function (efficacy), and session fidelity (implementation). Qualitative interviews examined participant experiences, barriers, and facilitators (adoption).

RESULTS

The intervention enrolled a racially diverse BCS sample (N = 47; 57.4% White, 23.4% Black, 14.8% Asian) that was mostly representative of the host institution catchment area, though participants had higher education levels. The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in upper- (P = .009) and lower-body physical function (P = .003) versus control, only. Adoption facilitators included program convenience, accessibility of online delivery, and trainer support, while barriers were equipment challenges, competing priorities, and cancer-related side effects. Program implementation fidelity was high for core components.

CONCLUSIONS

Key factors contributed to the feasibility of implementation of the intervention. Future remote exercise interventions should address equipment needs, individualized support, and tailored recruitment to enhance adoption and facilitate scalability in non-laboratory settings.

CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: The Clinical Trials Registration #NCT04562233.