Effects of Telerehabilitation on Functional and Other Health-Related Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of telerehabilitation interventions on functional and health-related outcomes, and physical activity levels in individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC). DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search encompassing PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL electronic databases was performed from inception to September 11, 2024. STUDY SELECTION: The inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials exploring the effect of telerehabilitation on improving functional and health-related outcomes in patients with CRC and survivors. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers conducted the data extraction. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2). A quantitative synthesis, employing meta-analysis, was conducted utilizing Cochrane Review Manager software (RevMan 5.4). DATA SYNTHESIS: Eleven randomized control trials with a total of 844 participants were included in this analysis. Variation in intervention designs precludes the identification of the most effective telerehabilitation program. Telerehabilitation improved quality of life more than control (standard mean difference=0.33; 95% CI, 0.01-0.64; P=.04; I2=14%). However, there was no significant difference in physical function, physical activity, fatigue, and depression between the telerehabilitation group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Telerehabilitation significantly enhances the quality of life in CRC survivors. However, its impact on physical function is obscured by heterogeneity in intervention designs, inconsistent outcome measures, and potential study biases. Future research should implement robust blinding procedures while prioritizing individualized exercise prescriptions and objective outcome measures.