Telerehabilitation and Monitoring Physical Activity in Patient with Breast Cancer: Systematic Review

Timely rehabilitation in patients with Breast Cancer (BC) has a great impact on improving their physical and mental conditions. Thus, the appropriate follow‑up method is essential especially during the Covid‑19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to review the different technology‑assisted interventions for improving physical activity in BC patients.

In this systematic review, the original studies were extracted from the beginning of indexing in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science until 2019. Finally, 45 papers were included in this study based on the inclusion criteria for before the Covid‑19 pandemic and 3 articles extracted for the Covid‑19 period.

The most widely used technologies for BC patients were in the United States (46.67%). Telephone, mobile application, and web with 28.89%, 15.56%, and 8.89% frequencies were the most common technologies, respectively. Although the majority of the participants were satisfied with the intervention method, in some cases, the patients were unsatisfied due to the complexity of the technology. These technologies were used for various purposes, such as physical activity and functions, control of pain severity, fitness, quality of life, diet behavior, fatigue, muscle strength, cardio‑respiratory capacity, as well as arm and shoulder exercises.

In conclusion, virtual communication can improve the health of BC patients and also increases patients’ desire and hope to continue treatment. It is worth noting that in the Covid‑19 pandemic, with the strengthening of virtual communication infrastructure, more attention was paid to BC patients due to their sensitive conditions.