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• Only a few trials measure physical activity in an objective manner. • Behavior change interventions or exercise training were mostly delivered to modify PA. • MVPA was higher in the experimental group following a behavior change intervention. • Uncertain effects on sedentary behavior, steps, and light intensity PA were found. • The used methodology to measure PA was heterogeneous and often suboptimal. To investigate the effectiveness of different types of interventions aimed at enhancing device-measured physical activity (PA) and summarize the devices and methodologies used to measure PA in adults with cancer. A systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020199466). The search was conducted in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE (via Ovid), and PEDro from 2005 onward. Prospective interventional studies (randomized controlled trials [RCTs], non-randomized controlled trials, and single-group trials), that included adults within 12 months from cancer diagnosis, and device-measured PA before and after commencement of an intervention were included. Studies were excluded if PA was measured at a single time point. Two independent reviewers screened 3033 records and 30 articles met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. PEDro scale and GRADE approach were used to assess methodological quality of RCTs and overall quality of evidence, respectively. A meta-analysis of relevant RCTs was conducted. Thirty studies were identified, mainly including adults with multiple cancer types. Interventions were behavior change interventions (n=15), exercise training (n=13), neuromuscular electrostimulation (n=1), or a nutritional program (n=1). The meta-analysis showed improvements on moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) in the experimental group (8 studies; standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.23; 95% CI 0.06-0.39); with subgroup analysis showing that findings were mainly driven by behavior change interventions (5 studies; SMD=0.23, 95% CI 0.05-0.41). An uncertain effect on sedentary behavior, daily steps, and light intensity PA was found. PA was measured with medical devices and commercial wearables, quality of the methodology was variable. Behavior change interventions increased device-derived MVPA in adult cancer patients who underwent the intervention within 12 months of the cancer diagnosis. Various devices and methodologies were used to assess PA, which limits comparisons across the studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• VRBT is a satisfactory therapy, that allows diversification of training. • Possibility of inserting VRBT into a CRP associated with conventional therapy. • Use VRBT in phase 4 of CRP for eligible patients. Virtual reality-based therapy (VRBT) has been recently used in rehabilitation programs, as it can improve patient's adherence to treatment. However, patients' acceptance of VRBT has been scarcely investigated. To qualitatively analyze the perceptions and preferences of patients about the inclusion of VRBT to a conventional cardiovascular rehabilitation program (CRP). Fifteen patients from a randomized clinical trial participated in focus groups for qualitative assessment. Patients demonstrated good acceptance and satisfaction of VRBT. Physical and psychosocial benefits were highlighted, and patients reported the perception of higher exercise intensity in VRBT then when doing conventional training. In addition, the frequency of VRBT (once a week), associated with conventional treatment was reported as satisfactory. Cognitive aspects that influenced participation to the new approach were also raised by study participants. Patients with cardiac conditions demonstrated satisfaction with the inclusion of VRBT in a conventional CRP, demonstrating that VRBT has the potential to be a new approach for this patient population, allowing training diversification. Benefits perceived by patients include physical, mental, and social aspects. NCT04336306 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04336306) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the potential benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation to treat COVID-19 survivors who show symptoms and/or impairments in physical function. Topics include exercise training like aerobic and resistance training as major component of rehabilitation programs, and some proven benefits of rehabilitation like increased muscle strength, exercise capacity and health-related quality of life.