BACKGROUND
There are over 1.3 million colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in the United States, many of whom report lower health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) for years after diagnosis and treatment. Physical activity may improve survival outcomes and HRQoL for CRC survivors. Feasible interventions to support physical activity after CRC diagnosis are needed.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study aimed to explore the impact of digital health intervention on physical activity and HRQoL.
METHODS
We conducted a two-arm, randomized controlled trial of 41 men and women who had completed treatment for CRC. Participants in the intervention arm were given a Fitbit Flex™ and received daily text messages for 12 weeks. HRQoL was assessed in both arms at enrollment and 12 weeks using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Survey (SF-36) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment – Colorectal (FACT-C). Survey score changes from enrollment to 12 weeks were compared between the two arms using independent t-tests and scores at enrollment and 12 weeks were compared using paired t-tests.
RESULTS
We observed an increase in the FACT-C functional well-being sub-scale in individuals in the intervention arm pre- to post- intervention (median difference: 2; interquartile range (IQR): 1,4; P = .02). In contrast, no change in functional well-being sub-scale was found in the control arm (median difference: 0; IQR: -1,1; P = .71). No other measures of HRQoL appeared to differ within arm, across time points, or between arms.
CONCLUSIONS
A 12-week physical activity intervention using a Fitbit Flex™ and daily text messages may improve functional well-being among CRC survivors. Larger randomized studies are needed to definitively determine if a digital physical activity intervention improves functional well-being among CRC survivors and if this improvement can be sustained over time.
CLINICALTRIAL
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02966054
Short-term efficacy of a computer-tailored physical activity intervention for prostate and colorectal cancer patients and survivors: a randomized controlled trial
