PPARCS- Promoting Physical Activity in Regional and Remote Cancer Survivors

What is it about?

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of wearable technology and health coaching in increasing physical activity in breast and colorectal cancer survivors living in regional and remote areas in Australia. The intervention group received a Fitbit and six telephone health coaching sessions while the control group received PA print materials. The results showed a significant improvement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Both groups improved light physical activity and sedentary behavior but there were no significant differences between them. This study demonstrates the potential of scalable interventions using smart wearable technology and phone-based health coaching to increase physical activity in geographically disadvantaged cancer survivors.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it addresses the need for effective interventions to increase physical activity in cancer survivors, particularly in under-served non-metropolitan areas. Physical activity is essential for reducing the risk of secondary cancers, cardiovascular disease, and functional decline in cancer survivors. Moreover, it has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer-related death and all-cause mortality. However, many cancer survivors fail to meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity, making it essential to develop scalable interventions that can reach and benefit a large number of survivors. Key Takeaways: 1. This study aimed to determine if wearable technology coupled with health coaching could increase physical activity in breast and colorectal cancer survivors living in regional and remote areas in Australia. 2. The study found that the intervention group showed a significant net improvement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of 49.8 min/week compared to the control group. 3. The results suggest that wearable technology interventions coupled with distance-based health coaching have promise for fostering increased physical activity in geographically disadvantaged cancer survivors.