Text messaging and activity tracker motivation program to increase physical activity in cancer survivors.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 92-92
Author(s):  
Bridget F. Koontz ◽  
Erica Levine ◽  
Frances McSherry ◽  
Tykeytra Dale ◽  
Martin Streicher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Application Programming Interface ◽  
Feedback System ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Application Programming

92 Background: Cancer survivors have high rates of sedentary behavior leading to obesity and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity improves quality of life (QOL) and reduces morbidity and mortality. However, cancer survivors commonly cite motivation as a barrier to increasing physical activity. We hypothesized that a motivational text-messaging feedback system linked to a Fitbit Flex activity tracker would increase the activity level of survivors and those undergoing cancer treatment. Methods: 29 participants were enrolled in an IRB-approved single-institution study. Eligibility allowed any cancer/stage, ≤2 days of exercise per week, life expectancy of 12+ months, and smartphone access. After baseline fitness/QOL testing, participants were provided a Fitbit Flex activity tracker. A text-messaging program automatically uploaded data from the tracker via an application programming interface and provided personalized text message feedback to subject’s smartphone daily for 3 months. Primary endpoint was change in step count from baseline to 3 months, with additional endpoints of change in 6 minute walk/QOL measures at 3 months, and continued exercise/use of tracker at 6 months. Results: To date, 24 have completed the 3 month program. Both academic and community sites participated, including areas with limited internet access. Most participants were female (71%) and white (63%). Eight cancer types and all stages were represented. Three participants withdrew – one because of lost tracker, one cancer death, and one “disappointed” with tracker function. Median daily steps at baseline were 3773 (IQR 2928) and 4365 at 3 months (IQR 4864). 42% had at least a 20% increase in median step count at 3 months. Improvement was noted in 45% of survivors and 38% of active treatment participants. Participants frequently used research nurses for guidance on use of wearable tracker (e.g. syncing, charging, features). Conclusions: Activity tracker with personalized daily feedback via text message successfully motivates cancer patients to increase daily activity. Patients are interested in health technology, but require technical support and coaching to maintain use. Clinical trial information: NCT02627079.

scholarly journals Perioperative digital behaviour change interventions for reducing alcohol consumption, improving dietary intake, increasing physical activity and smoking cessation: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Åsberg ◽  
Marcus Bendtsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Small Sample Sizes ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Evidence suggests that unhealthy lifestyle behaviours are modifiable risk factors for postoperative complications. Digital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs), for instance text messaging programs and smartphone apps, have shown promise in achieving lifestyle behaviour change in a wide range of clinical populations, and it may therefore be possible to reduce postoperative complications by supporting behaviour change perioperatively using digital interventions. This scoping review was conducted in order to identify existing research done in the area of perioperative DBCIs for reducing alcohol consumption, improving dietary intake, increasing physical activity and smoking cessation. Main text This scoping review included eleven studies covering a range of surgeries: bariatric, orthopaedic, cancer, transplantation and elective surgery. The studies were both randomised controlled trials and feasibility studies and investigated a diverse set of interventions: one game, three smartphone apps, one web-based program and five text message interventions. Feasibility studies reported user acceptability and satisfaction with the behaviour change support. Engagement data showed participation rates ranged from 40 to 90%, with more participants being actively engaged early in the intervention period. In conclusion, the only full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT), text messaging ahead of bariatric surgery did not reveal any benefits with respect to adherence to preoperative exercise advice when compared to a control group. Two of the pilot studies, one text message intervention, one game, indicated change in a positive direction with respect to alcohol and tobacco outcomes, but between group comparisons were not done due to small sample sizes. The third pilot-study, a smartphone app, found between group changes for physical activity and alcohol, but not with respect to smoking cessation outcomes. Conclusion This review found high participant satisfaction, but shows recruitment and timing-delivery issues, as well as low retention to interventions post-surgery. Small sample sizes and the use of a variety of feasibility outcome measures prevent the synthesis of results and makes generalisation difficult. Future research should focus on defining standardised outcome measures, enhancing patient engagement and improving adherence to behaviour change prior to scheduled surgery.

scholarly journals Effects of Activity Tracker-Based Counselling and Live-Web Exercise on Breast Cancer Survivors during Italy COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Andrea Di Blasio ◽  
Teresa Morano ◽  
Federica Lancia ◽  
Gianluca Viscioni ◽  
Angelo Di Iorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Light Intensity ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Personal Feedback

Background: To prevent and fight the increase of daily sedentary time and to promote and stimulate the positive effects of physical activity and exercise on health, both traditional interventions and new strategies are important for breast cancer survivors (BCS). The research goal was to compare the effects of weekly personal feedback, based on objectively measured physical activity, on the trends of both daily sedentary time and on the physical activity of BCS (E− group) with those of an intervention also including online supervised physical exercise sessions (E+ group), during the Italy COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: The Italian COVID-19 emergency allowed the possibility to also observe the effects of social and personal limitations. A total of 51 BCS were studied over an 18-week period and had an objective registration of day-to-day sedentary time, physical activity, and sleep. Both subsamples received weekly or fortnight personal feedback. Data were analysed considering four key periods, according to the COVID-19 emergency steps. Results: Statistical analysis showed an additive effect for sedentary time and a multiplicative effect both for light-to vigorous and light-intensity physical activities. The E− group had a high overall sedentary time and a different trend of light-to vigorous and light-intensity physical activities, with a reduction from the 1st to the 2nd periods (national and personal restrictions), showing a significant rise just at the end of the national restrictions. Conclusions: The use of an activity tracker and its accompanying app, with the reception of weekly tailored advice and supervised online physical exercise sessions, can elicit proper physical activity recomposition in BCS in the COVID-19 era.

scholarly journals Neural Network–Based Algorithm for Adjusting Activity Targets to Sustain Exercise Engagement Among People Using Activity Trackers: Retrospective Observation and Algorithm Development Study

10.2196/18142 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e18142
Author(s):  
Ramin Mohammadi ◽  
Mursal Atif ◽  
Amanda Jayne Centi ◽  
Stephen Agboola ◽  
Kamal Jethwani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Machine Learning ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Machine Learning Model ◽  
Daily Step Count

Background It is well established that lack of physical activity is detrimental to the overall health of an individual. Modern-day activity trackers enable individuals to monitor their daily activities to meet and maintain targets. This is expected to promote activity encouraging behavior, but the benefits of activity trackers attenuate over time due to waning adherence. One of the key approaches to improving adherence to goals is to motivate individuals to improve on their historic performance metrics. Objective The aim of this work was to build a machine learning model to predict an achievable weekly activity target by considering (1) patterns in the user’s activity tracker data in the previous week and (2) behavior and environment characteristics. By setting realistic goals, ones that are neither too easy nor too difficult to achieve, activity tracker users can be encouraged to continue to meet these goals, and at the same time, to find utility in their activity tracker. Methods We built a neural network model that prescribes a weekly activity target for an individual that can be realistically achieved. The inputs to the model were user-specific personal, social, and environmental factors, daily step count from the previous 7 days, and an entropy measure that characterized the pattern of daily step count. Data for training and evaluating the machine learning model were collected over a duration of 9 weeks. Results Of 30 individuals who were enrolled, data from 20 participants were used. The model predicted target daily count with a mean absolute error of 1545 (95% CI 1383-1706) steps for an 8-week period. Conclusions Artificial intelligence applied to physical activity data combined with behavioral data can be used to set personalized goals in accordance with the individual’s level of activity and thereby improve adherence to a fitness tracker; this could be used to increase engagement with activity trackers. A follow-up prospective study is ongoing to determine the performance of the engagement algorithm.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Changes in Sports Activity From Pre-diagnosis to First Five Years Post-diagnosis: a Prospective Chinese Breast Cancer Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan Lei ◽  
Suzanne C. Ho ◽  
Carol Kwok ◽  
Ashley Cheng ◽  
Ka Li Cheung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Chinese Women ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
After Cancer

Abstract Background: To compare change in level of physical activitybetween pre-and post- diagnosis of breast cancer in Chinese women.Methods:Based on an on-going prospective study consisting of 1462 Chinese women with early-stage breast cancer, a validated modified Chinese Baecke questionnaire was used to measure physical activity at baseline (12 months before cancer diagnosis), 18-, 36- and 60-months after diagnosis (over the previous 12 months before each interview). Results:The overall physical activity level at post-diagnosis was 5.8 MET-hours/week, which was significantly higher than that at pre-diagnosis at a median level of 0.6 MET-hours/week (P <0.001).The median levels of physical activity at 18-, 36- and 60-months follow-up were5.3, 4.4 and 3.9 MET-hours/week, respectively. There was no significant difference between any two of the three follow-ups at post-diagnosis. The proportions of participant who met WCRF/AICR recommendation before and after cancer diagnosis were both low, being 20.7% and 35.1%, respectively.Compared to pre-diagnosis, most of the patients improved or had no change on level of physical activity at post-diagnosis, with the respective proportion being 48.2% and 43.8%. Conclusions:Adherence to current lifestyle recommendation for cancer survivors, Chinese women with breast cancer significantly increasedlevel of physical activity level after cancer diagnosis, and such improvement was sustained to five years post-diagnosis. The proportion of patients who met the exercise recommendation for cancer survivors was still low. Encouraging patients on the importance of durable high level of physical activity in breast cancer survivorship is warranted.

A personalised smartphone-delivered just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITABug) to increase physical activity in older adults: A feasibility pilot study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Louise Mair ◽  
Lawrence Hayes ◽  
Amy Campbell ◽  
Duncan Buchan ◽  
Chris Easton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Wearable Activity Tracker

BACKGROUND Just-in-time-adaptive-interventions (JITAIs) provide real-time ‘in the moment’ behaviour change support to people when they need it most. JITAIs could be a viable way to provide personalised physical activity support to older adults in the community. However, it is unclear how feasible it is to remotely deliver a physical activity intervention via a smartphone to older adults, or how acceptable older adults would find a JITAI targeting physical activity in everyday life. OBJECTIVE (1) to describe the development of “JITABug”, a personalised smartphone and activity tracker delivered JITAI designed to support older adults to increase or maintain their physical activity level; (2) to explore the acceptability of JITABug in a free-living setting, and (3) to assess the feasibility of conducting an effectiveness trial of the JITABug intervention. METHODS The intervention development process was underpinned by the Behaviour Change Wheel. The intervention consisted of a wearable activity tracker (Fitbit) and a companion smartphone app (JITABug) which delivered goal setting, planning, reminders, and just-in-time adaptive messages to encourage achievement of personalised physical activity goals. Message delivery was tailored based on time of day, real-time physical activity tracker data, and weather conditions. We tested the feasibility of remotely delivering the JITAI with older adults in a 6-week trial using a mixed-methods approach. Data collection involved assessment of physical activity by accelerometery and activity tracker, self-reported mood and mental wellbeing via ecological momentary assessment, and contextual information on physical activity via voice memos. Feasibility and acceptability outcomes included: (1) recruitment capability and adherence to the intervention; (2) intervention delivery ‘in the wild’; (3) appropriateness of data collection methodology; (4) adverse events and; (5) participant satisfaction. RESULTS Of 46 recruited older adults (aged 56-72 years old), 65% completed the intervention. The intervention was successfully delivered as intended; 27 participants completed the intervention independently, 94% of physical activity messages were successfully delivered, and 99% of Fitbit and 100% of weather data calls were successful. Wrist-worn accelerometer data were obtained from 96% at baseline and 96% at follow up. On average, participants recorded 8/16 (50%) voice memos, 3/8 (38%) mood assessments, and 2/4 (50%) wellbeing assessments via the app. Overall acceptability of the intervention was very good (77% satisfaction). Participant feedback suggested that more diverse and tailored physical activity messages, app usage reminders, technical refinements regarding real-time data syncing, and an improved user interface could improve the intervention and make it more appealing. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that a smartphone delivered JITAI utilizing a wearable activity tracker is an acceptable way to support physical activity in older adults in the community. Overall, the intervention is feasible, however based on user feedback, the JITABug app requires further technical refinements that may enhance usage, engagement, and user satisfaction before moving to effectiveness trials. CLINICALTRIAL Non-Applicable

scholarly journals Adherence to a Diet, Physical Activity and Body Weight Program Using Motivational Interviewing Among Breast Cancer Survivors (P05-025-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Graciela Caire-Juvera ◽  
Maria del Socorro Saucedo-Tamayo ◽  
Karina de Jesus Diaz-Lopez ◽  
Victor Alexander Quintana-Lopez ◽  
Maria Josse Navarro-Ibarra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
National Council ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Β Carotene

Abstract Objectives This study aims to evaluate the adherence to a dietary, physical activity, and body weight intervention using the principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in female breast cancer survivors who participated in a trial for 4 months. Methods Premenopausal and postmenopausal female cancer survivors (n = 47) were randomized to the intervention group (IG, n = 22) that received the MI strategy, or the comparison group (CG, n = 25) that received nutritional counseling. Adherence to the program was evaluated based on compliance with dietary and physical activity goals, changes in body weight and changes in serum levels of α-carotene and β-carotene. We applied two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls to estimate dietary intake, and used a pedometer to measure number of steps. Blood samples were taken at time 0 (basal) and at 4 months of the study, and the serum concentrations of α-carotene and β-carotene were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results Among participants in the IG, percentages of compliance with goals for fruit and vegetable intakes were 93% and 90% respectively. The consumption of red, green and yellow vegetables increased (135.3 to 148.6 g/day, 192.1 to 227.7 g/day and 49.1 to 58.9 g/day, respectively) in the IG. There were no differences in fiber or total sugar intakes between groups. Women in the IG significantly increased their serum β-carotene levels (median 10.7 to 21.2 μg/dL) compared to the CG (median 13.1 to 19.9 μg/dL) (P < 0.05). The number of steps increased in the IG compared to the CG (1865 vs. 189, P < 0.05), although participants in the two groups continued to be classified as sedentary (physical activity level <1 at 0 and 4 months). Women in the IG lost 1.75 kg of body weight compared to 0.70 kg in the CG (P = 0.08). Conclusions Findings indicate that adherence to the recommendation on fruit and vegetable intakes is relatively high and that adherence to the recommendation on fiber intake, sugar intake, body weight and physical activity should be promoted. The MI strategy is promising to motivate changes in lifestyle changes. Funding Sources Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT-México) (English: National Council for Science and Technology).

scholarly journals Physical activity level and quality of life in long term lung cancer survivors

Lung Cancer ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 611-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lise Solberg Nes ◽  
Heshan Liu ◽  
Christi A. Patten ◽  
Sarah M. Rausch ◽  
Jeff A. Sloan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Activity Level

Effect of a School-Based Activity Tracker, Companion Social Website, and Text Messaging Intervention on Exercise, Fitness, and Physical Activity Self-Efficacy of Middle School Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison F. Pittman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Body Fat Percentage ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
School Students ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Text Messaging Intervention

This study examined the effect of a 10-week activity tracker, companion social website, and text messaging intervention on body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, physical fitness, and physical activity (PA) self-efficacy of children. Children ( n = 98) were assigned to one of three groups: activity tracker group, text messaging group, and activity tracker + text messaging group. Pre-/posttest fitness, BMI, PA self-efficacy, and body fat percentage were measured. The activity tracker group had a significant increase in fitness, no significant difference in PA self-efficacy, and an increase in body fat percentage and BMI ( p < .05). The text messaging group had a significant increase in BMI ( p < .05). The activity tracker + text messaging group had no significant differences in fitness, BMI, PA self-efficacy, or body fat percentage. This study gives no clear support to the hypothesis that use of activity trackers and a text messaging intervention have a positive effect on fitness, PA self-efficacy, or body fat percentage.

scholarly journals Using Mobile Health Tools to Assess Physical Activity Guideline Adherence and Smoking Urges: Secondary Analysis of mActive-Smoke

JMIR Cardio ◽  
10.2196/14963 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e14963
Author(s):  
Rongzi Shan ◽  
Lisa R Yanek ◽  
Luke G Silverman-Lloyd ◽  
Sina Kianoush ◽  
Michael J Blaha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Physical Activity Guideline ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Smoking Urge ◽  
Baseline Activity

Background Rates of cigarette smoking are decreasing because of public health initiatives, pharmacological aids, and clinician focus on smoking cessation. However, a sedentary lifestyle increases cardiovascular risk, and therefore, inactive smokers have a particularly enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective In this secondary analysis of mActive-Smoke, a 12-week observational study, we investigated adherence to guideline-recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in smokers and its association with the urge to smoke. Methods We enrolled 60 active smokers (≥3 cigarettes per day) and recorded continuous step counts with the Fitbit Charge HR. MVPA was defined as a cadence of greater than or equal to 100 steps per minute. Participants were prompted to report instantaneous smoking urges via text message 3 times a day on a Likert scale from 1 to 9. We used a mixed effects linear model for repeated measures, controlling for demographics and baseline activity level, to investigate the association between MVPA and urge. Results A total of 53 participants (mean age 40 [SD 12] years, 57% [30/53] women, 49% [26/53] nonwhite, and 38% [20/53] obese) recorded 6 to 12 weeks of data. Data from 3633 person-days were analyzed, with a mean of 69 days per participant. Among all participants, median daily MVPA was 6 min (IQR 2-13), which differed by sex (12 min [IQR 3-20] for men vs 3.5 min [IQR 1-9] for women; P=.004) and BMI (2.5 min [IQR 1-8.3] for obese vs 10 min [IQR 3-15] for nonobese; P=.04). The median total MVPA minutes per week was 80 (IQR 31-162). Only 10% (5/51; 95% CI 4% to 22%) of participants met national guidelines of 150 min per week of MVPA on at least 50% of weeks. Adjusted models showed no association between the number of MVPA minutes per day and mean daily smoking urge (P=.72). Conclusions The prevalence of MVPA was low in adult smokers who rarely met national guidelines for MVPA. Given the poor physical activity attainment in smokers, more work is required to enhance physical activity in this population.

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