Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Effects of self-monitoring physical activity with a smartphone application combined with physiotherapy coaching in
Harm L Ormel1, Elizabeth H van Zutphen1, Gabriela G F van der Schoot1
1Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Purpose:
Regardless of the compelling evidence showing that facility-based exercise effectively improves cancer treatment outcome, exercise programs are confronted with low participation and adherence rates. This study aimed to investigate a low-threshold modality to improve self-reported leisure-time physical activity (LTPA).
Methods:
In this single-centre, prospective randomised controlled trial, patients living with or beyond cancer were randomised to use the smartphone application "RunKeeper" to self-monitor LTPA with remote physiotherapy coaching for 12 weeks or usual care. The primary endpoint was between-group difference in LTPA at 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints were LTPA measured at 6 and 26 weeks, adhering to the national physical activity guideline, quality of life, cancer-specific functioning and symptoms, self-efficacy, and exercise motivation.
Results:
In total, 63 patients with a median age of 46.0 range [34.0 to 57.0] were included. No significant between-group differences were found in LTPA. Significant between-group differences in favour of the group that self-monitored LTPA were found in emotional functioning (P = .044), insomnia (P = .029) (week 12) and self-efficacy (P = .040) (week 26).
Conclusions:
Self-monitoring LTPA with RunKeeper and remote physiotherapy coaching did not significantly improve LTPA compared to usual care. The intervention did positively affect self-efficacy, emotional functioning, and insomnia.
Implications For Cancer Survivors:
Further research is needed to study the effectiveness of self-monitoring LTPA with remote physiotherapy coaching in a more homogeneous sample of patients with cancer.
Trial Registration:
(NCT03128333).
