mHealth Interventions to Promote a Healthy Diet and Physical Activity among Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Technology-based interventions are increasingly used to improve physical activity (PA) and diet. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to August 2021 that tested mobile health (mHealth) PA and/or dietary interventions among cancer survivors and reported on the feasibility, satisfaction, behavioral change, and/or quality of life (QOL) outcomes. Results: In total, 61 articles were identified on PubMed, and 23 of those met the inclusion criteria. The most common cancers were breast (n = 1000), prostate (n = 713), and colorectal (n = 650). Participants were predominantly White (median: 84%, interquartile range (IQR): 20%) and college-educated (58%). The interventions varied, but the most common combination of components (six studies) was a website/mobile app with an activity tracker and coaching. In terms of duration, 70% (n = 16) of the interventions lasted 12 weeks. The median total tracker wear was 87% of the study days (IQR: 6%) and the median text-message reply rate was 73% (IQR 4%). Most participants (median: 87%; IQR: 16%) were satisfied with at least one intervention component. Eleven out of 18 studies examining behavioral change reported significant between-group differences and six out of 11 studies examining QoL reported significant improvements. Conclusions: mHealth interventions are a promising approach to improving the PA and diets of cancer survivors. Research in racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations is needed.

Determinants of the Mobile Health Continuance Intention of Elders with Chronic Diseases: An Integrated Framework of ECM-ISC and UTAUT

“…With the acceleration of the global digital health information system, mHealth is an effective way to effectively address patients’ diseases. Wang et al [ 31 ] studied interventions of cancer patients’ health factors and physical activities. Results suggest that mHealth interventions are effective in improving cancer patients’ physical activities and diet.…”

Nutritional care for cancer patients: are we doing enough?

“…In addition, patients and caregivers should be empowered to play an active role in nutritional self-monitoring and early recognition of malnutrition-related symptoms ( 47 ). App-based interventions are increasingly used in various chronic diseases, and represent a promising approach to improve physical activity and nutrition in cancer survivors ( 48 ). Patient empowerment in malnutrition prevention could also benefit from app-based interventions, such as systems for weight monitoring or food intake measurement.…”

Circadian lifestyle determinants of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy

“…Thus, with regards to circadian entrainment, both timing, including fasting duration, and composition of the meal are relevant and could be potentially manipulated for therapeutic purposes. Modern digital tools can provide monitoring capability of feeding and fasting habits over the 24-h period and a way to behavioural dietary interventions ( 16 , 86 , 97 – 99 ).…”