Longitudinal Effects of the YOUEX Exercise Intervention on Quality of Life and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Young Adults with Cancer

Abstract

Purpose:

While exercise oncology research has led to broad acceptance of exercise programs for cancer patients, the specific needs of young adults (YA) with cancer remain underexplored. The YOUEX study evaluates the effects of tailored online and in-person exercise programs on quality of life (QoL) and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in YA.

Methods:

This three-arm, non-randomized, preference-based intervention study offered three exercise modules (M1) online supervised group-based, (M2) online unsupervised, and (M3) in-person supervised. YA with cancer (≤39 years) participated in a 12-week intervention with a 12-week follow-up. QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) and CRF (EORTC FA12, QLQ-C30 fatigue scale) were assessed at baseline (T0), 6 weeks (T1), 12 weeks (T2), and follow-up (T3).

Results:

A total of 92 YA (mean age 31.9 ± 4.9 years, 94% female) participated. M2 was most frequently chosen (54.3%), followed by M1 (34.8%) and M3 (10.9%). Overall QoL improved significantly at follow-up (p < 0.01, r = 0.35). Significant improvements were observed in physical (p < 0.001, r = 0.40), emotional (p < 0.01, r = 0.36), cognitive (p < 0.01, r = 0.34), and social functioning (p < 0.01, r = 0.35) during the intervention, with continued physical and emotional improvements at follow-up. Fatigue symptoms decreased on the QLQ-C30 scale, while FA12 scales remained unchanged. No differences were found between modules.

Conclusion:

Tailored exercise programs positively impact QoL in YA with cancer, with online interventions being particularly well received. Further research is needed to optimize these programs for CRF management and evaluate the effectiveness of online interventions in more detail.