Secondary outcomes
muscle mass, NRS, pain
LOW ANTERIOR RESECTION SYNDROME, RECTAL CANCER, MINOR, SECONDARY, APPETITE LOSS
The secondary objectives of our study are quality of life, body function and composition, and pain intensity over time.The quality of life will be evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of life Questionnaire (EORCT-QLQ-C30 and CR29). EORTC QLQ-C30 is composed of functional, symptom, and global quality of life domain. The quality-of-life scale uses a modified 7-point linear analog scale. All other items are scored on a 4-point categorical scale, ranging from 1 “not at all” to 4 “very much” [International physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF) is divided into vigorous activity, moderate activity, walking, and lying down to evaluate the amount of activity in the last seven days. The participants are also asked to define the number of min and days spent performing a specific activity category [Mini nutritional assessment (MNA) defines nutritional status. It is divided into several domains for anthropometric assessment (weight, height, and weight and appetite loss) [Physical fitness is evaluated using the grip strength test, 30-sec chair stand test (CST), and 2-min walk test (2MWT). Grip strength is assessed using a hand-held dynamometer (microFET® Digital HandGRIP Dynamometer, Hoggan Scientific LLC, USA). The patients are asked to use the maximal hand grip power (kg). The patients repeat this three times for three seconds, and the average of the results will be recorded [The abdomen and pelvis will be analyzed using computed tomography (CT). To measure muscle mass and visceral fat, we will analyze the cross-sectional area in a single CT slice at the height of the third lumbar vertebra [Rectal cancer patients without ileostomy or colostomy would be evaluated for defecation function by Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS) questionnaire. Patients are categorized into three groups: no LARS (0–20), minor LARS (21–29), and major LARS (30–42) [The pain intensity for the past week will be evaluated by a 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) [Additionally, the intervention group will undergo a general assessment with e-health literacy at baseline and the self-developed satisfaction questionnaire for mobile application and Internet of Things device after 6 months. The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is designed to assess consumer’s perceived skills at using information technology for health and to aid in determining the applicability of eHealth programs for individual consumers. The eHEALS has 10 items, where items 1 and 2 are supplementary. Eight questions assess eHealth literacy on a 5-point Likert scale, in which a higher score indicates higher literacy [