Effect and feasibility of wearable physical activity trackers and pedometers for increasing physical activity and improving health outcomes in cancer survivors : A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of wearable devices for improving physical activity and health-related outcomes in cancer survivors. Methods CINAHL, Cochrane, Ebscohost, MEDLINE, Pubmed, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for randomized controlled trials published before September 1, 2020, that evaluated interventions involving wearable devices in cancer survivors. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated to assess effects on physical activity and health-related outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess whether the effects differed by interventions and cancer characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results Thirty-five trials were included (breast cancer, n = 15, 43%). Intervention durations ranged between 4 weeks and 1 year. Most trials (n = 25, 71%) involved pedometer-based physical activity interventions. Seven (20%) involved Fitbit-based interventions, and 3 (9%) involved other wearable physical activity trackers (e.g., Polar, Garmin). Compared to usual care, wearable devices had moderate-to-large effects (SMD range 0.54−0.87, p < 0.001) on moderate-intensity physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity, total physical activity, and daily steps. Compared to usual care, those in the intervention had higher quality of life, aerobic fitness, physical function, and reduced fatigue (SMD range = 0.18−0.66, all p < 0.05). Conclusion Wearable physical activity trackers and pedometers are effective tools that increase physical activity and improve health-related outcomes in individuals with cancer. Identifying how these devices can be implemented for longer-term use with other intervention components remains an area for future research. Graphical abstrac

Developing an implementation research logic model : Using a multiple case study design to establish a worked exemplar

Background Implementation science frameworks explore, interpret, and evaluate different components of the implementation process. By using a program logic approach, implementation frameworks with different purposes can be combined to detail complex interactions. The Implementation Research Logic Model (IRLM) facilitates the development of causal pathways and mechanisms that enable implementation. Critical elements of the IRLM vary across different study designs, and its applicability to synthesizing findings across settings is also under-explored. The dual purpose of this study is to develop an IRLM from an implementation research study that used case study methodology and to demonstrate the utility of the IRLM to synthesize findings across case sites. Method The method used in the exemplar project and the alignment of the IRLM to case study methodology are described. Cases were purposely selected using replication logic and represent organizations that have embedded exercise in routine care for people with cancer or mental illness. Four data sources were selected: semi-structured interviews with purposely selected staff, organizational document review, observations, and a survey using the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT). Framework analysis was used, and an IRLM was produced at each case site. Similar elements within the individual IRLM were identified, extracted, and re-produced to synthesize findings across sites and represent the generalized, cross-case findings. Results The IRLM was embedded within multiple stages of the study, including data collection, analysis, and reporting transparency. Between 33-44 determinants and 36-44 implementation strategies were identified at sites that informed individual IRLMs. An example of generalized findings describing “intervention adaptability” demonstrated similarities in determinant detail and mechanisms of implementation strategies across sites. However, different strategies were applied to address similar determinants. Dependent and bi-directional relationships operated along the causal pathway that influenced implementation outcomes. Conclusions Case study methods help address implementation research priorities, including developing causal pathways and mechanisms. Embedding the IRLM within the case study approach provided structure and added to the transparency and replicability of the study. Identifying the similar elements across sites helped synthesize findings and give a general explanation of the implementation process. Detailing the methods provides an example for replication that can build generalizable knowledge in implementation research

Implementation of physical activity interventions in a community-based youth mental healthcare service : A case study of context, strategies, and outcomes

Aims Physical activity interventions are recommended for community-based youth mental health services to prevent physical health disparities. Implementation is challenging, and studies focusing on the methods to achieve change are needed. This study aims to identify the context, implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes that illustrate how physical activity interventions were implemented within an early intervention service in Australia. Methods A theoretically informed case study was undertaken. Data from a community-based youth mental health service that delivers an early psychosis programme were collected between July and November 2020. Three data sources were accessed (1) interviews with service managers, mental health clinicians and exercise physiologists; (2) document review of organizational policies and procedures; and (3) survey using the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool. The implementation outcomes investigated were acceptability, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability. Framework analysis was used, and a logic model developed guided by an established template, to interpret findings. Results Forty-three contextual factors and 43 implementation strategies were identified. The data suggests that creating a new clinical team and auditing and feedback are critical for implementation. High levels of acceptability and sustainability were described, while fidelity of implementation was difficult to establish, and penetration was low. Conclusions The relationship between constructs suggests several mechanisms underpinned implementation. These include changing professional beliefs, establishing new organizational norms, augmenting existing work processes, and aligning physical activity with priorities of the mental healthcare system and existing work tasks. This case study provides direction for future health service planning of physical activity interventions in community-based youth mental health service

Early detection of brain metastases in a supervised exercise program for patients with advanced breast cancer : A case report

Introduction Around 25% of metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients develop brain metastases, which vastly affects their overall survival and quality of life. According to the current clinical guidelines, regular magnetic resonance imaging screening is not recommended unless patients have recognized central nervous system–related symptoms. Patient Presentation The patient participated in the EFFECT study, a randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of a 9-month structured, individualized and supervised exercise intervention on quality of life, fatigue and other cancer and treatment-related side effects in patients with mBC. She attended the training sessions regularly and was supervised by the same trainer throughout the exercise program. In month 7 of participation, her exercise trainer detected subtle symptoms (e.g., changes in movement pattern, eye movement or balance), which had not been noticed or reported by the patient herself or her family, and which were unlikely to have been detected by the oncologist or other health care providers at that point since symptoms were exercise related. When suspicion of brain metastases was brought to the attention of the oncologist by the exercise trainer, the response was immediate, and led to early detection and treatment of brain metastases. Conclusion and clinical implications The brain metastases of this patient were detected earlier due to the recognition of subtle symptoms detected by her exercise trainer and the trust and rapid action by the clinician. The implementation of physical exercise programs for cancer patients requires well-trained professionals who know how to recognize possible alterations in patients and also, good communication between trainers and the medical team to enable the necessary actions to be taken

Early Detection of Brain Metastases in a Supervised Exercise Program for Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Around 25% of metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients develop brain metastases, which vastly affects their overall survival and quality of life. According to the current clinical guidelines, regular magnetic resonance imaging screening is not recommended unless patients have recognized central nervous system-related symptoms. PATIENT PRESENTATION: The patient participated in the EFFECT study, a randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of a 9-month structured, individualized and supervised exercise intervention on quality of life, fatigue and other cancer and treatment-related side effects in patients with mBC. She attended the training sessions regularly and was supervised by the same trainer throughout the exercise program. In month 7 of participation, her exercise trainer detected subtle symptoms (e.g., changes in movement pattern, eye movement or balance), which had not been noticed or reported by the patient herself or her family, and which were unlikely to have been detected by the oncologist or other health care providers at that point since symptoms were exercise related. When suspicion of brain metastases was brought to the attention of the oncologist by the exercise trainer, the response was immediate, and led to early detection and treatment of brain metastases. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The brain metastases of this patient were detected earlier due to the recognition of subtle symptoms detected by her exercise trainer and the trust and rapid action by the clinician. The implementation of physical exercise programs for cancer patients requires well-trained professionals who know how to recognize possible alterations in patients and also, good communication between trainers and the medical team to enable the necessary actions to be taken

Exercise medicine for the management of androgen deprivation therapy-related side effects in prostate cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with considerable adverse side effects which compromise the health and wellbeing of many men with prostate cancer. Exercise has been identified as a therapy to help manage ADT-related treatment toxicities. This paper systematically reviews the scientific literature investigating the impact of exercise on men receiving ADT and discusses strategies to effectively implement exercise in clinical practice. The findings of this review demonstrate that exercise has therapeutic benefit for the management of ADT-related side effects. Significant positive effects following exercise were observed for aerobic fitness, muscular strength, physical function, body composition, fatigue, sexual wellbeing, mental wellbeing, social function, comorbid disease risk factors, and quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests exercise may also play a role in managing bone loss, cognitive decline, and urinary problems, and may be delivered without exacerbating bone pain. Exercise did not negatively influence ADT treatment efficacy and led to few adverse events of minor severity, rendering it a safe intervention for men receiving ADT. To maximize the therapeutic effect of exercise, men with prostate cancer should participate in moderate-to-high intensity aerobic, resistance and impact exercise which is prescribed and supervised by a qualified exercise physiologist and delivered at a convenient location in a prostate cancer specific group-based environment. The level of evidence now available supports the view that the prescription of exercise medicine should be part of routine prostate cancer care