Related Experiment Videos
Breast Cancer Survivors' Experiences With an Activity Tracker Integrated Into a Supervised Exercise Program:
Hoi San Wu1, Roxanne Gal2, Niek C van Sleeuwen3
1Human-Technology Interaction Group, Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|February 22, 2019
Summary
Activity trackers can motivate breast cancer patients to increase physical activity and awareness of sedentary behavior. However, personalized goals and feedback are needed for effective lifestyle change interventions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Physical activity improves breast cancer prognosis; sedentary behavior worsens outcomes.
- Interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time are crucial for breast cancer patients.
- Activity trackers present a novel approach for behavior change interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore breast cancer patients' experiences using activity trackers.
- To gather patient feedback on activity tracker use alongside supervised exercise.
- To identify areas for improvement in activity tracker interventions.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 10 breast cancer survivors.
- Semistructured in-depth interviews conducted.
- Focus on experiences with the Jawbone UP2 activity tracker.
Main Results:
- Activity trackers increased physical activity motivation and lifestyle awareness.
- Patients desired individualized advice and personalized goals beyond daily steps.
- Limitations included inability to track strength training and lack of personalized feedback.
Conclusions:
- Activity trackers enhance lifestyle awareness in breast cancer patients.
- Current systems require enhancement with personalized goals and advice.
- Incorporating physiotherapist feedback is valued for optimizing interventions.