scholarly journals Feasibility and potential efficacy of commercial mHealth/eHealth tools for weight loss in African American breast cancer survivors: pilot randomized controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 938-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne M Ferrante ◽  
Katie A Devine ◽  
Alicja Bator ◽  
Ashley Rodgers ◽  
Pamela A Ohman-Strickland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
African American ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Potential Efficacy

Abstract Weight management after breast cancer (BC) treatment in African American (AA) women is crucial to reduce comorbid conditions and health disparities. We examined feasibility and potential efficacy of commercial eHealth/mHealth tools for weight management in AA BC survivors in New Jersey. Participants (N = 35) were randomized to an intervention (SparkPeople) plus activity tracker, Fitbit Charge (n = 18), or wait-list active control group (Fitbit only, n = 17). Anthropometric, behavioral, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Differences in outcomes were assessed using intent-to-treat analysis. Retention was 97.1%. Both groups lost weight, with no significant differences between groups. At month 6, mean weight change was: intervention: −1.71 kg (SD 2.33; p = .006), 33.3% lost ≥3% of baseline weight; control: −2.54 kg (SD 4.00, p = .002), 23.5% lost ≥3% weight. Intervention participants achieved significant improvements in waist circumference (−3.56 cm, SD 4.70, p = .005), QOL (p = .030), and use of strategies for healthy eating (p = .025) and decreasing calories (p < .001). Number of days logged food per week was associated with decreases in waist circumference at 6 months (β −0.79, 95% CI, −1.49, −0.09, p = .030) and 12 months (β −2.16, 95% CI, −4.17, −0.15, p = .038). Weight loss was maintained at 12 months. This is the first study to demonstrate potential efficacy of commercial eHealth/mHealth tools for weight loss in AA BC survivors, without additional counseling from the research team. If effective, they may be convenient weight loss tools that can be easily and widely disseminated. Clinical Trials registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02699983

Virtual weight loss program for African-American breast cancer survivors: Preliminary results.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 163-163
Author(s):  
Jeanne M. Ferrante ◽  
Michelle Doose ◽  
Alicja Bator ◽  
Katie Devine ◽  
Pamela Ohman Strickland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
African American ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Weight Loss Program

163 Background: Obesity is associated with higher breast cancer recurrence and death, and poorer health and quality of life. African-American (AA) women have the highest prevalence of obesity, obesity-related comorbidities, and breast cancer mortality compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Weight loss after breast cancer diagnosis may lower rates of recurrence and improve fitness, fatigue, and quality of life. Methods: This 6-month randomized controlled trial pilot-tests the use of a Fitbit activity tracker (Fitbit only group) versus Fitbit plus SparkPeople, a free web-based weight loss program (combined group) among 70 AA breast cancer survivors. Paired t-tests assess changes from baseline to 6-months among each participant in primary (weight, body mass index [BMI], percent body fat) and secondary (24-hour caloric intake, daily number of steps, quality of life, self-monitoring strategies, self-efficacy) outcomes. Two-group t-tests assess differences in outcomes between the two groups. Results: Currently, 36 of 46 (78.3%) eligible participants have enrolled and completed baseline assessments. Mean age of participants is 61.7 years (SD 8.7) and mean BMI is 36.9 (SD 7.0). Analyses of the first 25 participants who completed 3-month assessments (Fitbit only N = 12; combined group N = 13) show significant weight loss in both groups; Fitbit only: mean weight change -6.73 pounds, SD 4.61, p < 0.001; mean BMI change -0.96 kg/m2, SD 0.84, p = 0.002; combined group: mean weight change -5.95 pounds, SD 5.84, p = 0.003; mean BMI change -1.03 kg/m2, SD 0.77, p < 0.001. All participants significantly increased tracking of diet (Fitbit only p = 0.016; combined group p < 0.001) and physical activity (Fitbit only p < 0.001; combined group p = 0.001). Though not significant, combined group participants showed greater increases in self-efficacy for eating healthy and reducing fat and calories, and increases in daily steps (+1308 vs. +285 for Fitbit only group). Preliminary analyses show no statistically significant difference in changes in outcomes from baseline to 3 months between the two groups. Conclusions: Both programs show potential as convenient and efficient weight loss methods for African-American breast cancer survivors. Clinical trial information: NCT02699983.

scholarly journals An epigenetic aging analysis of randomized metformin and weight loss interventions in overweight postmenopausal breast cancer survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamaji C. Nwanaji-Enwerem ◽  
Felicia Fei-Lei Chung ◽  
Lars Van der Laan ◽  
Alexei Novoloaca ◽  
Cyrille Cuenin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Postmenopausal Breast Cancer ◽  
Biological Aging ◽  
Epigenetic Aging ◽  
Epigenetic Age ◽  
Registration Number

AbstractMetformin and weight loss relationships with epigenetic age measures—biological aging biomarkers—remain understudied. We performed a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial among overweight/obese breast cancer survivors (N = 192) assigned to metformin, placebo, weight loss with metformin, or weight loss with placebo interventions for 6 months. Epigenetic age was correlated with chronological age (r = 0.20–0.86; P < 0.005). However, no significant epigenetic aging associations were observed by intervention arms. Consistent with published reports in non-cancer patients, 6 months of metformin therapy may be inadequate to observe expected epigenetic age deceleration. Longer duration studies are needed to better characterize these relationships.Trial Registration: Registry Name: ClincialTrials.Gov.Registration Number: NCT01302379.Date of Registration: February 2011.URL:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01302379

scholarly journals A Self-Directed Mobile Intervention (WaznApp) to Promote Weight Control Among Employees at a Lebanese University: Protocol for a Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bardus ◽  
Ghassan Hamadeh ◽  
Bouchra Hayek ◽  
Rawan Al Kherfan
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Obesity And Overweight ◽  
And Control

BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity have become major health problems globally with more than 1.9 billion overweight adults. In Lebanon, the prevalence of obesity and overweight is 65.4% combined. Risk factors of obesity and overweight are preventable and can be addressed by modifications in the environment and in an individual’s lifestyle. Mobile technologies are increasingly used in behavioral, self-directed weight management interventions, providing users with additional opportunities to attain weight control (weight loss, weight gain prevention, etc). Mobile apps may allow for the delivery of Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs), which provide support through skill building, emotional support, and instrumental support, following the participants’ progress. A few commercially available apps offer JITAI features, but no studies have tested their efficacy. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to examine the feasibility of a self-directed weight loss intervention, targeting employees of an academic institution, using a virtual coaching app with JITAI features (Lark) and a self-help calorie-counting app (MyFitnessPal). The secondary objective is to estimate the effects of the intervention on main study outcomes. METHODS This study is a single-center, parallel, randomized controlled trial with 2 study arms (intervention and control). Participants will be randomly allocated in equal proportions to the intervention (Lark) and control groups (MyFitnessPal). To be eligible for this study, participants must be employed full- or part-time at the university or its medical center, able to read English, have a smartphone, and be interested in controlling their weight. Recruitment strategies entail email invitations, printed posters, and social media postings. We will assess quantitative rates of recruitment, adherence, and retention, self-reported app quality using the user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale. We will also assess changes in weight-related outcomes (absolute weight and waist circumference), behavioral outcomes (physical activity and diet), and cognitive factors (motivation to participate in the trial and to manage weight). RESULTS WaznApp was funded in June 2017, and recruitment started in March 2018. CONCLUSIONS This study will provide information as to whether the selected mobile apps offer a feasible solution for promoting weight management in an academic workplace. The results will inform a larger trial whose results might be replicated in similar workplaces in Lebanon and the Middle East and North Africa region, and will be used as a benchmark for further investigations in other settings and similar target groups. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03321331; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03321331 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ys9NOLo5) REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER RR1-10.2196/9793

scholarly journals Breast cancer application protocol: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate a self-management app for breast cancer survivors

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e034655
Author(s):  
Andy S K Cheng ◽  
Xiangyu Liu ◽  
Peter H F Ng ◽  
Cindy T T Kwok ◽  
Yingchun Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Readiness For Change ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionThe eHealth technologies that are being designed for chronic disease constitute a global trend towards health assessment and self-management. However, most of these approaches tend to focus on a single symptom or problem rather than on the multiple problems that are characteristic of many of these chronic illnesses. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of and adherence to a self-management application (app) that identifies multiple problem areas related to surviving breast cancer as the targeted chronic illness.Methods and analysisThis is a randomised controlled study. Eligible participants will be allocated randomly into either an intervention group or a control group at a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will be assigned to the self-management app (‘Be-with-You’), while the control group will use a general health app (‘Sham’ app). The primary outcomes will include the differences between the two groups in their health literacy, problem-solving skills and self-management skills. The secondary outcomes will include group differences in self-efficacy, readiness for change and health-related quality of life. All of these outcomes will be measured at baseline and at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after intervention. In addition, usability of these two mobile apps will be measured at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after intervention. The planned sample size is 476.Ethics and disseminationThe Human Subjects Ethics Sub-committee of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University approved the study (HSEARS20190922001, 24 September 2019). Dissemination of findings will occur at the local, national and international levels.Trial registration numberChiCTR1900026244.

Experiences of African American Breast Cancer Survivors Using Digital Scales and Activity Trackers in a Weight Gain Prevention Intervention: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julianne M Power ◽  
Deborah F Tate ◽  
Carmina G Valle
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Activity Tracking ◽  
Activity Trackers

BACKGROUND The use of digital tools to promote daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking may be a promising strategy for weight control among African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS). There have been no studies exploring the acceptability and feasibility of using digital tools for weight control or qualitative studies characterizing perceptions of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking among AABCS. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools, including wireless scales and activity trackers, in a sample of AABCS participating in two technology-based weight gain prevention interventions over 6 months. METHODS Semistructured interviews (N=21) were conducted in person or over the phone, were audio recorded, and then transcribed verbatim. Each transcript was read to identify key themes and develop a codebook. Each transcript was coded using Atlas.ti software, and code outputs were used to identify overarching themes and patterns in the data. RESULTS On average, participants were 52.6 (SD 8.3) years of age, with obesity at baseline (BMI 33.1 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, SD 5.9), and weighed on 123.4 (SD 48.0) days out of the 168 days (73.5%) in the study period. Women tended to attribute their weight gain to cancer treatment and framed program benefits in terms of improved quality of life and perceptions of prolonging their survival following treatment. Using the smart scale for daily self-weighing was viewed as the tool by which participants could control their weight and improve their health and well-being posttreatment. The activity tracker increased awareness of physical activity and motivated participants to be more active. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported positive experiences and benefits from daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking. Findings suggest that daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools are well-received, acceptable, and feasible intervention strategies for AABCS in the context of posttreatment weight management.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a Weight Loss Intervention for African American Breast Cancer Survivors

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (24) ◽  
pp. 2820-2828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda Stolley ◽  
Patricia Sheean ◽  
Ben Gerber ◽  
Claudia Arroyo ◽  
Linda Schiffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
African American ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Weight Loss Program ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention

Purpose African American women with breast cancer have higher cancer-specific and overall mortality rates. Obesity is common among African American women and contributes to breast cancer progression and numerous chronic conditions. Weight loss interventions among breast cancer survivors positively affect weight, behavior, biomarkers, and psychosocial outcomes, yet few target African Americans. This article examines the effects of Moving Forward, a weight loss intervention for African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS) on weight, body composition, and behavior. Patients and Methods Early-stage (I-III) AABCS were randomly assigned to a 6-month interventionist-guided (n = 125) or self-guided (n = 121) weight loss program supporting behavioral changes to promote a 5% weight loss. Anthropometric, body composition, and behavioral data were collected at baseline, postintervention (6 months), and follow-up (12 months). Descriptive statistics and mixed models analyses assessed differences between groups over time. Results Mean (± standard deviation) age, and body mass index were 57.5 (± 10.1) years and 36.1 (± 6.2) kg/m2, respectively, and 82% had stage I or II breast cancer. Both groups lost weight. Mean and percentage of weight loss were greater in the guided versus self-guided group (at 6 months: 3.5 kg v 1.3kg; P < .001; 3.6% v 1.4%; P < .001, respectively; at 12 months: 2.7 kg v 1.6 kg; P < .05; 2.6% v 1.6%; P < .05, respectively); 44% in the guided group and 19% in the self-guided group met the 5% goal. Body composition and behavioral changes were also greater in the interventionist-guided group at both time points. Conclusion The study supports the efficacy of a community-based interventionist-guided weight loss program targeting AABCS. Although mean weight loss did not reach the targeted 5%, the mean loss of > 3% at 6 months is associated with improved health outcomes. Affordable, accessible health promotion programs represent a critical resource for AABCS.

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