Application of an exercise nudge program based on the theory of planned behavior in patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy after colorectal cancer surgery

ObjectiveTo explore the application effect of an exercise nudge program based on the theory of planned behavior in patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy after colorectal cancer surgery.MethodsA total of 56 colorectal cancer patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in a tertiary grade A hospital in Shanghai were selected as the study subjects.They were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group,with 28 cases in each group.The control group received routine follow⁃up and guidance from a health education booklet.The intervention group received an exercise nudge program based on the theory of planned behavior.The intervention lasted for 12 weeks.Exercise adherence,exercise self⁃efficacy,6⁃minute walk test,and grip strength were evaluated in both groups.The incidence of adverse events during exercise was also compared between the two groups.ResultsThe interaction effects between time and group on overall exercise adherence and adherence in various dimensions were statistically significant(<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05).The time effect, group effect, and interaction effect on exercise self-efficacy scores were statistically significant(<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.001).The time effect and interaction effect on the 6⁃minute walk test and grip strength were statistically significant(<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.001).The incidence of muscle soreness and cardiac discomfort in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group(<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05).ConclusionsThe exercise intervention combining nudge strategy and the theory of planned behavior is safe and feasible.It helps improve exercise self⁃efficacy and exercise adherence in colorectal cancer chemotherapy patients and enhances their physical function.