Breast cancer survivors’ preferences for technology-supported exercise interventions

Abstract

Purpose To explore breast cancer survivors’ interest in and preferences for technology-supported exercise interventions. Methods Post-treatment survivors [n=279; Mage=60.7(SD=9.7)] completed a battery of online questionnaires in August 2015. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all data. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between survivors’ interest in a technology-supported exercise interventions and demographic, disease and behavioral factors. These same factors were examined in relation to perceived effectiveness of such interventions using multiple regression analyses. Results About half (53.4%) of survivors self-reported meeting public health recommendations for physical activity. Fewer than half reported using an exercise or diet mobile app (41.2%) or owning an activity tracker (40.5%). The majority were interested in receiving remotely-delivered exercise counseling (84.6%), participating in a remotely delivered exercise intervention (79.5%) and using an exercise app or website (68%). Survivors reported the most helpful technology-supported intervention components would be: an activity tracker (89.5%); personalized feedback (81.2%); and feedback on how exercise is influencing mood, fatigue, etc. (73.6%). Components rated as least helpful were social networking integration (31.2%), group competitions (33.9%) and ability to see others’ progress (35.1%). Conclusions Preferences for technology-supported exercise interventions varied among breast cancer survivors. Nonetheless, data indicate that technology-supported interventions may be feasible and acceptable. Engaging stakeholders may be important in developing and testing potential intervention components.

Cancer survivors’ experiences of a community-based cancer-specific exercise programme: results of an exploratory survey

“…Research also suggests exercise interventions for cancer survivors could be delivered through the use of technology [10,44,45]. A quarter of our respondents used exercise technology tools and that of the remaining non-users half had an interest in exploring such technology in the future.…”

“…A quarter of our respondents used exercise technology tools and that of the remaining non-users half had an interest in exploring such technology in the future. A recent survey in 279 breast cancer patients confirmed a growing acceptance of technology-delivered interventions [44]. The majority (85%) was interested in remotely delivered exercise counselling, 80% said they would take part in a remotely delivered intervention, and 68% would use an exercise app or website.…”

MOBILE HEALTH APPLICATION - PREVENTING PATIENTS OF BREAST CANCER POST-TREATMENT FROM UPPER LIMB DYSFUNCTION (ULD) (Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, and Surgery) : LITERATURE REVIEW

“…There are several types of mobile health applications used in these nine journals, namely bWell (demonstration videos and documentation), Smart After Care, Smart goal (games application), BrightArm duo rehabilitation system (games application), e-CUIDATE system, telephone, Short Message Service, web-based internet, and m-Health BENECA application. The main focus of 9 journals used in examining the contents of Mobile Health application is physical exercise (ROM, arm and shoulder movements, resistance and muscle strength) for breast cancer survivor, although there are other variables also measured by these journals, such as quality of life, level of pain, cognitive function, and level of patient depression (8,(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). The duration of application from journals used averaged 8-12 weeks which then evaluated until six months, except in 1 journal which uses the cross-sectional method…”

The Potential for mHealth Interventions to Support Women with Breast Cancer after Active Treatment

“…For women with breast cancer, it is important to stay active and maintain a healthy weight to minimise chances of recurrence (Job, Fjeldsoe, Eakin, & Reeves, 2018). In a group of 270 survivors, approximately 90% felt that a technology-supported exercise program would be helpful immediately after or within the first year after completion of active treatments (Phillips et al, 2017).…”

“…Moreover, these women felt that activity trackers would be the most beneficial exercise support (Phillips et al, 2017). In addition, African American breast cancer survivors were significantly more likely to maintain or lose weight at the end of a 6-month program if they wore an activity tracker in addition to daily weighing and tailored weekly emails compared to daily weighing and emails alone or a delayed-intervention control, indicating that self-monitoring may play an important role in achieving fitness goals (Valle, Deal, & Tate, 2017).…”