The promoting physical activity in regional and remote cancer survivors ( PPARCS ) trial: Physical activity maintenance

Introduction: The study examined whether increased physical activity (PA) in nonmetropolitan cancer survivors was maintained 12 weeks following the PPARCS intervention. Methods: PA outcomes were assessed using an accelerometer at baseline, end of the intervention, and at 24 weeks. Linear mixed models were used to examine between‐group changes in PA outcomes. Results: The increased moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) following intervention was maintained with significantly higher MVPA in the intervention group at 24 weeks (vs. controls) compared to baseline nett change of 52.5 min/week (95% CI 11.0–94.0.4). Conclusions: Distance‐based interventions using wearables and health coaching may produce MVPA maintenance amongst nonmetropolitan cancer survivors

A randomized controlled trial of Promoting Physical Activity in Regional and Remote Cancer Survivors (PPARCS).

Background Physical activity (PA) is important for cancer survivors. Trials of remotely delivered interventions are needed to assist in reaching under-served non-metropolitan cancer survivors. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether wearable technology, coupled with health coaching was effective in increasing PA in breast and colorectal cancer survivors living in regional and remote areas in Australia. Methods Cancer survivors from 5 states were randomized to intervention and control arms. Intervention participants were given a Fitbit Charge 2 and received up to 6 telephone health coaching sessions. Control participants received PA print materials. Accelerometer assessments at baseline and 12 weeks measured moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA, and sedentary behavior. Results Eighty-seven participants were recruited (age = 63 ± 11 years; 74 (85%) female). There was a significant net improvement in MVPA of 50 min/week, favoring the intervention group (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 13.6–86.1, p = 0.007). There was also a net increase in MVPA bouts of 39.5 min/week (95%CI: 11.9–67.1, p = 0.005), favoring the intervention group. Both groups improved light PA and sedentary behavior, but there were no between-group differences. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate that, when compared to standard practice (i.e., PA education), a wearable technology intervention coupled with distance-based health coaching, improves MVPA in non-metropolitan cancer survivors. The results display promise for the use of scalable interventions using smart wearable technology in conjunction with phone-based health coaching to foster increased PA in geographically disadvantaged cancer survivors

Psychological correlates of physical activity and exercise preferences in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan cancer survivors

Objective Interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in cancer survivors have often adopted a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ approach, and may benefit from being tailored to psychological constructs associated with behavior. The study objective was to investigate the exercise preferences and psychological constructs related to PA among cancer survivors. Methods Post‐treatment colorectal, endometrial, and breast cancer survivors (n=183) living in metropolitan and non‐metropolitan areas completed survey measures of PA, exercise preferences, attitudes, self‐efficacy, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intention toward PA. Results A structural equation model with adequate fit and quality indices revealed that instrumental attitude and self‐efficacy were related to PA intention. Intention was related to behavior and mediated the relationship between self‐efficacy and behavior. Preferred exercise intensity was related to self‐efficacy, PBC, attitudes, and intention, while preferred exercise company was related to self‐efficacy and PBC. Participants preferred moderate‐intensity PA (71%), specifically self‐paced (52%) walking (65%) in an outdoor environment (58%). Conclusions Since instrumental attitude and self‐efficacy were associated with PA, incorporating persuasive communications targeting attitudes in PA interventions may promote PA participation. As cancer survivors who prefer low‐intensity exercise and exercising with others report lower self‐efficacy and PBC, interventions targeting confidence and successful experience in this group may also be warranted.peerReviewe