Behavior change techniques in digital physical activity interventions for breast cancer survivors: a systematic review

Abstract

Given the broad benefits of physical activity (PA) but low PA levels among breast cancer survivors (i.e., women who have received a breast cancer diagnosis), innovative and evidence-based techniques are needed to motivate and support exercise. This study systematically reviews the use of behavior change techniques (BCTs) in digital PA interventions for breast cancer survivors. Studies were retrieved from five electronic databases and were included if they (i) sampled exclusively female breast cancer survivors aged >18 years, (ii) involved a digital intervention with the primary purpose of increasing PA, (iii) included a BCT component, (iv) used a randomized or quasi-randomized design, and (v) were published from January 2000 to May 2022. Two coders independently extracted data. Twenty primary studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All interventions used at least one BCT (mean 4 ± 1, range 2–13); self-monitoring (85%) and goal setting (79%) were the most common BCTs. Twelve of 20 (60%) studies reported improvements in PA behavior in the intervention vs. control group, and self-monitoring and goal setting were the most commonly used BCTs in these studies. Of the 93 total BCTs, 66 were not used in any interventions in the review, including critical constructs for PA behavior change (e.g., biofeedback). BCTs, important facilitators of PA behavior change, are being underutilized in digital PA interventions for breast cancer survivors. Future research should incorporate more diverse BCTs to explore if they can add to the effectiveness of digital interventions for this population.

Biofeedback-Based Proprioceptive Training to Improve Functional Prerequisites of Dragon Boating in Breast Cancer Survivors

“…Despite the steadily increasing survival rate, BC occurrence is a weighty event deeply compromising the psychophysical functionality of the affected subjects, especially due to treatment-related sequelae [4,92]. Since the resultant symptoms can emotionally and physically burden the daily life of BC survivors, with a drastic decrease in their perceived quality of life [30,93], the promotion of healthy habits that involve regular physical activity becomes essential to minimize and counteract such a complex clinical status [94][95][96][97].…”

Applying Meaning and Self-Determination Theory to the Development of a Web-Based mHealth Physical Activity Intervention: Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study

“…Although the accelerometer was meant as a PA measure for the research study, participants viewed it as part of the intervention, which influenced their view of the intervention itself. However, adding a way to visualize activity data and goal progress would enhance participants’ abilities to self-monitor and adjust their behavior and their goals [ 81 ]. This would be a positive enhancement of the MAP to Health intervention that would likely improve its impact.…”