Development of 'Exercise Guide': A tailored eHealth guidance and exercise prescription tool for men with metastatic prostate cancer

Abstract

Objective: To develop an online exercise guidance tool for men with metastatic prostate cancer that incorporates evidence and theory from both exercise physiology and psychology.

Methods: The online tool was developed systematically using an Intervention Mapping protocol. CS formed a multidisciplinary team by drawing on networks within the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Prostate Cancer Survivorship, the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, and clinical networks, such as ANZUP. Pilot funding was obtained from Below the Belt Foundation to adapt effective face‐to‐face programs developed by investigators from Edith Cowan University (DG, RN) into an online computer‐tailored intervention. To inform adaptation and ensure the tool was patient‐centred, 19 men with metastatic prostate cancer were interviewed regarding their needs and preferences and a systematic review of prostate cancer targeted online interventions was conducted.

Results: Eight modules have been developed and include individually tailored video‐based exercise prescription, guidance on exercise benefits, safety, tracking, behaviour change, incidental activity, healthy lifestyle and further support. Information is tailored to ensure only relevant material will be provided. Decision rules to determine individualised exercise prescription, given extent and severity of possible contraindications was challenging but achievable to develop.

Conclusions: The development protocol resulted in an evidence and theory‐based online exercise guidance tool for men with metastatic prostate cancer. The tool will now be tested for safety and usability in a lab‐based study, and then implemented within a pilot randomised control trial. This potentially valuable tool may enhance physical activity levels for men in this population.