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Open Access 01-11-2018 | Original Article

Self-monitoring physical activity with a smartphone application in cancer patients: a randomized feasibility study (SMART-trial)

Authors: Harm L. Ormel, Gabriela G. F. van der Schoot, Nico-Derk L. Westerink, Wim J. Sluiter, Jourik A. Gietema, Annemiek M. E. Walenkamp

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 11/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Evidence accumulates that an active lifestyle positively influences cancer treatment outcome. A “smartphone application” (app) such as “RunKeeper,” to self-monitor physical activity (PA) might be helpful. This study aimed to examine whether using RunKeeper to increase self-reported PA is feasible in cancer patients and to evaluate patients’ opinion about using RunKeeper in a 12-week program.

Methods

Adult patients (n = 32), diagnosed with cancer, were randomized between usual care (n = 16) or a 12-week intervention with instructions to self-monitor PA with RunKeeper (n = 16). Changes in PA were determined with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) at baseline (T0), 6 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2). Usability and patients’ experiences were tested at T2 with the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a semi-structured interview.

Results

Patient mean age was 33.6 years. Between T0 and T1, an increase in PA of 51% (medium estimated effect size r = 0.40) was found in PASE sum score in the intervention group compared with usual care. In addition, total minutes of PA increased with 46% (r = 0.37). These effects decreased over time (T2). Sedentary time decreased with 19% between T0 and T1 and 27% between T0 and T2. Usability was rated “good” and most patients found RunKeeper use helpful to improve PA.

Conclusions

Self-monitoring PA with RunKeeper was safe and feasible in cancer patients. The RunKeeper use resulted in an increase in PA after 6 weeks. RunKeeper usability was rated good and can be used to study PA in cancer patients.

Trial registration

NCT02391454

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Self-monitoring physical activity with a smartphone application in cancer patients: a randomized feasibility study (SMART-trial)
Authors: Harm L. Ormel
Gabriela G. F. van der Schoot
Nico-Derk L. Westerink
Wim J. Sluiter
Jourik A. Gietema
Annemiek M. E. Walenkamp
Publication date: 01-11-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 11/2018
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4263-5

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