Online interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress in cancer patients: evidence update and suggestions for future directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A great proportion of people affected by cancer experience psychological distress. To reduce pressure on limited health-management resources available, evidence-based eHealth or online interventions can fill an important gap by making psychosocial care more easily accessible. However, evidence of their effectiveness is mixed. This present review provides an update on the effectiveness of online interventions in reducing psychological distress in patients with cancer by including studies published from January 2018 to September 2019. RECENT FINDINGS: Thirty-three publications describing online interventions were included in the review, including web-based, blended care, telehealth, mHealth, and other online interventions. There was great heterogeneity across studies. The evidence of online interventions' effectiveness in reducing distress was mixed; there was partial support for reduction in psychological distress and depression, but limited evidence for reducing anxiety. Some important limitations should be taken into account when interpreting the results. SUMMARY: Online interventions for people affected by cancer, in general, are well received and seem to be a necessary component of comprehensive cancer care. However, these interventions should be more rigorously tested to provide more conclusive evidence about their effectiveness.

Aquatic circuit training including aqua-cycling in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Aqua-cycling is easy to learn, acceptable, and safe for patients with knee osteoarthritis. It can therefore be an ideal component of aquatic circuit training. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a small group-based aquatic exercise programme including aqua-cycling. DESIGN: A feasibility study using quantitative (pre-post) and qualitative (cross-sectional) assessments. PARTICIPANTS: A volunteer cohort of 10 women and men, age range 46-77 years, with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Focus group interviews explored participants' experience with the training. Pre- and post-exercise knee pain, attendance, progression in training, and adverse events were registered. RESULTS: Seventy percent of patients attended all sessions. Focus groups revealed high levels of satisfaction with the selection of exercises, and participants valued the immediate pain relief experienced. Participants progressed well. However, aqua-cycling in an out-of-the-saddle position was too demanding for most participants. CONCLUSION: An aquatic circuit training that includes aqua- cycling is feasible for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Participants reported pain reduction and were positive about the diverse exercise programme. Aqua-cycling in a seated position is a safe and controlled type of movement.