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Evaluation of a translatable web-based intervention for increasing physical activity among cancer survivors: A pilot randomized trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Cancer survivors often face long-term health challenges after treatment. Physical activity (PA) can help manage cancer-related side effects and offer additional health benefits, yet up to 80% of survivors do not meet PA guidelines.
Objective:
To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a 12-week automated Internet program for increasing moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) among cancer survivors.
Methods:
The study included 46 adults (age: 55.2±8.3 years, BMI: 33.0±7.6 kg/m²; 91.3% female, 80.4% non-Hispanic White), randomized to the Energize! Exercise Program or Newsletter control condition. The Energize! Program involved weekly behaviorally-based video lessons, homework assignments, exercise planning and reporting, and progressive PA goals (75 to 200 min/week). Automated, personalized feedback was provided. The newsletter group received bi-monthly PA education newsletters (total of 6). Assessments occurred at baseline, 3 months (post-intervention), and 6 months (following a 3-month no-contact follow-up). Measures included self-reported PA, accelerometer-derived total and ‘bouted’ MVPA (≥10 minutes bouts), and health-related outcomes (e.g., quality-of-life, fatigue, psychological distress).
Results:
Retention rates (>94%) and compliance to the Energize! program (73-86%) were excellent. Energize! increased self-reported (92.7 min/week), bouted (35.4 min/week), and total (46.3 min/wk) MVPA at 3 months (Cohen’s d=0.74-0.94), and these changes were partially maintained at 6 months. Increases in MVPA were smaller among Newsletter participants (Cohen’s d=0.28-0.47). Group differences in health-related outcomes were minimal and mixed.
Conclusions:
The automated Energize! Program is feasible, acceptable, and associated with positive changes in MVPA, yet future studies are needed to improve MVPA long-term. Findings suggest that self-guided PA programs may be beneficial for increasing MVPA among cancer survivors. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT1850077
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