Outcomes of a text message, Fitbit, and coaching intervention on physical activity maintenance among cancer survivors: a randomized control pilot trial

• Published in: Journal of cancer survivorship 2020-02, Vol.14 (1), p.80-88
• Main Authors: Gell, Nancy M., Grover, Kristin W., Savard, Liliane, Dittus, Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accelerometers; Cancer; Exercise; Health; Health Informatics; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Intervention; Maintenance; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oncology; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Physical training; Primary Care Medicine; Public Health; Quality of Life Research; Rehabilitation; Short message service; Survival
• ISSN: 1932-2259; 1932-2267
• DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00831-4

Purpose We aimed to determine the effect of a health coach, text message, and Fitbit intervention on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) maintenance in cancer survivors following a supervised exercise program compared to provision of a Fitbit alone. Methods Participants were recruited during the last month of an exercise-based oncology rehabilitation program and randomly assigned to the full intervention ( n = 34) or Fitbit-only control groups ( n = 32). In total, 59 cancer survivors completed the program (81% female; mean age 61.4 ± 9.0). Group by time differences in accelerometer-measured MVPA was assessed using linear mixed models. Additionally, we examined mean weekly Fitbit-derived MVPA levels. Results Intervention participants maintained weekly MVPA from pre- (295.7 ± 139.6) to post-intervention (322.0 ± 199.4; p = 0.37), whereas those in the Fitbit-only group had a significant decrease in MVPA (305.5 ± 181.1 pre vs 250.7 ± 166.5 post; p = 0.03, effect size 0.57). The intervention participants maintained recommended levels of MPVA for health benefits during the 8-week intervention, whereas the Fitbit-only control group did not. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that a remote intervention delivered through health coaching, text messages, and Fitbit can promote maintenance of MVPA after a structured program for cancer survivors. However, use of a Fitbit alone was not sufficient to prevent expected decline in MVPA. Additional research is warranted to examine long-term impacts and efficacy in a more diverse population of cancer survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors Use of a wearable tracker alone may not be sufficient for exercise maintenance among cancer survivors after transition to an independent program. Additional planning for relapse prevention is recommended.