Inspiratory Muscle Training and Behavioral Support to Alleviate Dyspnea and Promote Walking in Lung Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

This is a pilot randomized study to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and effects of a novel tele-rehabilitation intervention for stage I-IIIA lung cancer survivors following curative intent therapy. The specific aims and hypotheses are: Specific Aim 1: Conduct a pilot, phase IIb, parallel randomized (1:1) study to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of inspiratory muscle training and behavioral support to promote walking in tele-rehabilitation with stage I-IIIA lung cancer survivors following curative intent therapy (N=40). Hypothesis 1a: ≥ 20% eligible patients will enroll; ≥75% of participants will achieve ≥75% adherence to the tele-rehabilitation program. Hypothesis 1b: ≥75% of participants will perceive tele-rehabilitation as acceptable (Telemedicine Satisfaction and Usefulness Questionnaire ≥4). There will be 0 intervention adverse events. Specific Aim 2: Explore the effects of the tele-rehabilitation program (N=40). Hypothesis 2: At 12 weeks, participants in the tele-rehabilitation (experimental) arm, compared to education only (control) arm, will have a trend of greater improvements in outcomes, including: 1. accelerometry-measured physical activity (primary outcome); and 2. functional capacity, self-reported physical activity, control of dyspnea and anxiety symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life (secondary outcomes).