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Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
7.1K
Evaluation of a Translatable Web-Based Intervention for Increasing Physical Activity Among Cancer Survivors: Pilot
Jessica L Unick1,2, Christine Duffy2,3,4, Don Dizon2
1Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, Miriam Hospital, 196 Richmond St, Providence, RI, 02903, United States, 1 4017938966.
JMIR Cancer
|October 2, 2025
Summary
An automated exercise program significantly increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in cancer survivors. This intervention proved feasible and acceptable, offering a promising approach for managing long-term health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Exercise Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Cancer survivors experience long-term health issues post-treatment.
- Physical activity (PA) aids in managing side effects but adherence is low (80% do not meet guidelines).
- There is a need for effective and scalable PA interventions for cancer survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week automated internet program (Energize!) to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in cancer survivors.
- To examine the intervention's effect on physical and mental well-being.
- To compare the automated program against a control group receiving educational newsletters.
Main Methods:
- Randomized trial involving inactive cancer survivors randomized to the Energize! Program or a Newsletter control group.
- Energize! Program: Automated, weekly video lessons, homework, exercise planning, progressive MVPA goals (75-200 min/wk), and personalized feedback.
- Assessments: Baseline, 3 months (post-intervention), and 6 months. Measured feasibility (enrollment, retention), acceptability (engagement, satisfaction), MVPA (self-report, accelerometer), and health outcomes (quality of life, fatigue, distress).
Main Results:
- High feasibility (69% enrollment) and retention (94% at 6 months).
- High acceptability: High engagement metrics (e.g., 87.7% lessons viewed) and greater satisfaction with Energize! vs. Newsletter (5.8 vs. 3.2).
- Energize! significantly increased self-reported MVPA (92.7 min/wk), bouted MVPA (35.4 min/wk), and total MVPA (46.3 min/wk) at 3 months, with partial maintenance at 6 months. Modest increases were observed in the Newsletter group.
Conclusions:
- The automated Energize! Program is a feasible and acceptable intervention for increasing MVPA in cancer survivors.
- Findings suggest self-guided PA programs can be beneficial for improving MVPA in this population.
- Future research is needed to optimize long-term MVPA adherence.
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