Acceptance- and mindfulness-based techniques for physical activity promotion in breast cancer survivors: a qualitative study

Background Despite growing evidence supporting the vital benefits of physical activity (PA) for breast cancer survivors, the majority do not meet the recommended levels of activity. Mobile app–based PA coaching interventions might be a feasible strategy to facilitate adherence of breast cancer survivors to the PA guidelines. To engage these individuals, PA apps need to be specifically designed based on their needs and preferences and to provide targeted support and motivation. However, more information is needed to understand how these technologies can provide individual and relevant experiences that have the ability to increase PA adherence and retain the individual’s interest in the long term. Objective The aim of this study is to explore insights from breast cancer survivors on motivational and personalization strategies to be used in PA coaching apps and interventions. Methods A qualitative study was conducted, using individual semistructured interviews, with 14 breast cancer survivors. The moderator asked open-ended questions and made use of a slideshow presentation to elicit the participants’ perspectives on potential mobile app–based intervention features. Transcribed interviews were evaluated by 3 reviewers using thematic content analysis. Results Participants (mean age 53.3, SD 8.7 years) were White women. In total, 57% (8/14) of the participants did not adhere to the PA guidelines. In general, participants had access to and were interested in using technology. The identified themes included (1) barriers to PA, (2) psychological mediators of PA motivation, (3) needs and suggestions for reinforcing motivation support, (4) personalization aspects of the PA coaching experience, and (5) technology trustworthiness. Motivational determinants included perceived control, confidence and perceived growth, and connectedness. Participants were interested in having a straightforward app for monitoring and goal setting, which would include a prescribed activity program and schedule, and positive communication. Opinions varied in terms of social and game-like system possibilities. In addition, they expressed a desire for a highly personalized coaching experience based on as much information collected from them as possible (eg, disease stage, physical limitations, preferences) to provide individualized progress information, dynamic adjustment of the training plan, and context-aware activity suggestions (eg, based on weather and location). Participants also wanted the app to be validated or backed by professionals and were willing to share their data in exchange for a more personalized experience. Conclusions This work suggests the need to develop simple, guiding, encouraging, trustworthy, and personalized PA coaching apps. The findings are in line with behavioral and personalization theories and methods that can be used to inform intervention design decisions. This paper opens new possibilities for the design of personalized and motivating PA coaching app experiences for breast cancer survivors, which might ultimately facilitate the sustained adherence of these individuals to the recommended levels of activity.

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Perspective of older African-American and Non-Hispanic white breast cancer survivors from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds toward physical activity: A qualitative study

Journal of Geriatric Oncology ◽

10.1016/j.jgo.2017.12.003 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 235-242 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Cynthia Owusu ◽

Elizabeth Antognoli ◽

Nora Nock ◽

Paul Hergenroeder ◽

Kristina Austin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

African American ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Hispanic White

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Analyzing Theoretical Mechanisms of Physical Activity Behavior Change in Breast Cancer Survivors: Results from the Activity Promotion (ACTION) Trial

Annals of Behavioral Medicine ◽

10.1007/s12160-008-9019-x ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 150-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 68

Author(s):

Jeffrey K. H. Vallance ◽

Kerry S. Courneya ◽

Ronald C. Plotnikoff ◽

John R. Mackey

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Activity Behavior ◽

Physical Activity Behavior Change

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Breast Cancer Survivors’ Perspectives on Motivational and Personalization Strategies in Mobile App–Based Physical Activity Coaching Interventions: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18867 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Francisco Monteiro-Guerra ◽

Gabriel Ruiz Signorelli ◽

Octavio Rivera-Romero ◽

Enrique Dorronzoro-Zubiete ◽

Brian Caulfield

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Perceived Control ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

White Women ◽

Mobile App ◽

Disease Stage ◽

Dynamic Adjustment

BACKGROUND Despite growing evidence supporting the vital benefits of physical activity (PA) for breast cancer survivors, the majority do not meet the recommended levels of activity. Mobile app–based PA coaching interventions might be a feasible strategy to facilitate adherence of breast cancer survivors to the PA guidelines. To engage these individuals, PA apps need to be specifically designed based on their needs and preferences and to provide targeted support and motivation. However, more information is needed to understand how these technologies can provide individual and relevant experiences that have the ability to increase PA adherence and retain the individual’s interest in the long term. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to explore insights from breast cancer survivors on motivational and personalization strategies to be used in PA coaching apps and interventions. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted, using individual semistructured interviews, with 14 breast cancer survivors. The moderator asked open-ended questions and made use of a slideshow presentation to elicit the participants’ perspectives on potential mobile app–based intervention features. Transcribed interviews were evaluated by 3 reviewers using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Participants (mean age 53.3, SD 8.7 years) were White women. In total, 57% (8/14) of the participants did not adhere to the PA guidelines. In general, participants had access to and were interested in using technology. The identified themes included (1) barriers to PA, (2) psychological mediators of PA motivation, (3) needs and suggestions for reinforcing motivation support, (4) personalization aspects of the PA coaching experience, and (5) technology trustworthiness. Motivational determinants included perceived control, confidence and perceived growth, and connectedness. Participants were interested in having a straightforward app for monitoring and goal setting, which would include a prescribed activity program and schedule, and positive communication. Opinions varied in terms of social and game-like system possibilities. In addition, they expressed a desire for a highly personalized coaching experience based on as much information collected from them as possible (eg, disease stage, physical limitations, preferences) to provide individualized progress information, dynamic adjustment of the training plan, and context-aware activity suggestions (eg, based on weather and location). Participants also wanted the app to be validated or backed by professionals and were willing to share their data in exchange for a more personalized experience. CONCLUSIONS This work suggests the need to develop simple, guiding, encouraging, trustworthy, and personalized PA coaching apps. The findings are in line with behavioral and personalization theories and methods that can be used to inform intervention design decisions. This paper opens new possibilities for the design of personalized and motivating PA coaching app experiences for breast cancer survivors, which might ultimately facilitate the sustained adherence of these individuals to the recommended levels of activity.

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Oncology Care Providers’ Awareness and Practice Related to Physical Activity Promotion for Breast Cancer Survivors and Barriers and Facilitators to Such Promotion: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Web-based Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-693094/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yoichi Shimizu ◽

Katsunori Tsuji ◽

Eisuke Ochi ◽

Ryo Okubo ◽

Aya Kuchiba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Care Providers ◽

Physical Activity Recommendation ◽

Web Based ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Activity Information

Abstract Purpose Lack of physical activity information provided by OCPs is a known barrier to getting breast cancer survivors (BCSs) to engage in habitual exercise. However, the actual situation in Japan remains unclear. This study sought to clarify OCPs’ awareness and practice related to Japan’s physical activity recommendation for BCSs and to ascertain barriers to these.Methods We conducted a web-based survey involving members of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society (JBCS) or the Japanese Association of Cancer Rehabilitation between Dec. 2018 and Feb. 2019.Results Of 10,830 members, 1,029 (9.5%) responded. Only 19.1% were aware of the details of the JBCS physical activity recommendation, and only 21.2% routinely provided physical activity information to BCSs. Barriers to routine provision were 1) absence of perceived work responsibility, 2) underestimation of survivors’ needs, 3) lack of resources, 4) lack of self-efficacy about the recommendation, and 5) poor knowledge of the recommendation. Factors related to being aware of the recommendation details were 1) availability of the guidelines, 2) experience reading relevant parts of the guidelines, and 3) involvement in multidisciplinary team case meetings.Conclusions Only one-fifth of the OCPs routinely provided physical activity information. Barriers to provision were poor awareness, self-efficacy, and attitudes and resource unavailability. The physical activity recommendation needs to be disseminated to all OCPs and a delivery system needs to be established for BCSs to receive appropriate information and support to promote engagement in habitual physical activity.

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