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01-12-2021 | Original Article

Increasing physical activity in Cancer Survivors through a Text-messaging Exercise motivation Program (ICanSTEP)

Authors: Bridget F. Koontz, Erica Levine, Frances McSherry, Donna Niedzwiecki, Linda Sutton, Tykeytra Dale, Martin Streicher, Christel Rushing, Lynda Owen, William E. Kraus, Gary Bennett, Kathryn I. Pollak

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 12/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Cancer survivors are often sedentary. Self-monitoring may promote physical activity through self-activation. We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate whether wearable activity tracker with personalized text message feedback would increase physical activity.

Methods

We enrolled 30 patients with solid tumor cancers into a non-randomized prospective intervention trial (NCT02627079): 15 had completed treatment in the past year and 15 under active treatment. Each participant received an activity tracker and daily text messages personalized to their activity level. We assessed patient-reported outcomes and 6-min walk (6 MW) at baseline and 3 months.

Results

Twenty-six participants completed the study. There was substantial variation in baseline activity. Overall, 39% of participants increased their steps taken by at least 20%, and 23% increased their 6 MW distance by 20% or more. More participants who had completed treatment strongly agreed (73%) that the intervention increased their exercise levels than those receiving active treatment (47%). At 3 months, there was a significant improvement in median Beck Depression Inventory-II and Godin Leisure Index composite scores. At 6 months, 72% still wore their activity tracker at least 4 days per week.

Conclusion

We found that the intervention was well-accepted with a high completion rate at 3 months and continued self-use at 6 months. In this pilot study of combined activity tracker and motivational messaging, we found a signal for increased physical activity over a 3-month period. Future research is needed to study this technique for its impact on activity and other physical and psychological measures of well-being.

Implication for cancer survivors

Activity tracker with personalized motivational messaging may be useful in promoting physical activity in cancer survivors.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Increasing physical activity in Cancer Survivors through a Text-messaging Exercise motivation Program (ICanSTEP)
Authors: Bridget F. Koontz
Erica Levine
Frances McSherry
Donna Niedzwiecki
Linda Sutton
Tykeytra Dale
Martin Streicher
Christel Rushing
Lynda Owen
William E. Kraus
Gary Bennett
Kathryn I. Pollak
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 12/2021
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06281-y

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At a glance: The STEP trials

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Implication for cancer survivors

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