Effectiveness of a Rehabilitation Program in Improving Quality of Life in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

"1. A 12-week regimen of home-based walking exercises, comprising walking at a moderate intensity for 40 min, three times a week, was administered along with weekly exercise counseling. After collecting pretrial measurements, we explained the participants how to perform the exercises, according to an instruction manual for the exercise regimen. The detailed instructions, provided at the hospital clinics, included the determination of activity intensity, demonstration of pulse measurement, criteria for scores of 6-20 on the Borg's rating of perceived exertion (RPE), prevention of exercise-related injuries, and conditions necessitating termination of an exercise session. Participants were instructed that the exercises would be effective only if they reached 60%-80% of the target heart rate, as determined by the Karvonen method, and 13-15 on the RPE.~2. Diet-teaching program (using dietary education booklet)."

For each participant, we discussed exercise regimen-related issues and diet weekly through the telephone. For instance, we discussed whether participants' exercise fulfilled the prescribed intensity, duration, or frequency and whether the participants experienced any adverse effects.