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

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is crucial for cancer survivors' well-being.
• Remotely delivered interventions are needed for underserved non-metropolitan cancer survivors.
• This study investigated technology-assisted health coaching for PA in regional/remote Australian cancer survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if wearable technology plus health coaching increases PA in breast and colorectal cancer survivors in regional/remote Australia.
• To assess the effectiveness of a remotely delivered intervention for improving physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with intervention and control groups.
• Intervention: Fitbit Charge 2 and 6 telephone health coaching sessions.
• Control: PA print materials. Measured PA via accelerometry at baseline and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Significant net improvement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of 49.8 min/week in the intervention group (p=0.007).
• Significant net increase in MVPA bouts (39.5 min/week) favoring the intervention group (p=0.005).
• Both groups improved light PA and reduced sedentary behavior, with no significant between-group differences.

Conclusions:

• This is the first study showing wearable technology and health coaching improve MVPA in non-metropolitan cancer survivors compared to standard education.
• Scalable interventions using smart wearable technology and phone coaching can increase PA in geographically disadvantaged cancer survivors.
• Results support the use of digital health tools to promote physical activity in underserved cancer survivor populations.