Breast cancer survivors’ perspectives on a home-based physical activity intervention utilizing wearable technology

Abstract

Purpose: To gain breast cancer survivors' perspectives on participation in a home-based physical activity intervention and the factors that contributed to their acceptance and adherence to physical activity. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women who had participated in a 12-week, home-based physical activity intervention using Polar A360® activity trackers. Additionally, 22 participants from the physical activity interventions provided scaled responses to barriers of physical activity on weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Results: Perceptions (n = 6) were categorized into three main themes including (i) Study Environment which consisted of three subthemes acrch versus fear of failure, power of results, and reminders of cancer and moving beyond. (ii) Influence of People encompassed two subthemes, i.e., personal relationships and self as a source of motivation; and (iii) Wearable Technology which was divided into two subthemes, i.e., objective insights into health and disconnect of person and technology. From the scaled responses, the most impactful barriers for participants within the intervention groups (n = 22) were "feeling busy," "lack of motivation," and "weather." Conclusion: Wearable technology was perceived largely as a facilitator to physical activity in the current study, but technologic difficulties created a barrier to physical activity adherence. Additionally, participants' perceptions of study design elements and social support influenced their acceptance and adherence to the home-based physical activity interventions and should be considered to inform the design and implementation of future studies.

Effect of a Pedometer-based Exercise Program on Cancer Related Fatigue and Quality of Life amongst Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

“…Physical activity programs can help reduce these cancer-related and treatment-related side effects and increase physical function and fitness (Kokts-Porietis et al, 2019). Less than 15% of breast cancer survivors have been reported to meet physical activity guidelines (150 min/ week of moderate-vigorous physical activity).…”

“…Less than 15% of breast cancer survivors have been reported to meet physical activity guidelines (150 min/ week of moderate-vigorous physical activity). The existing evidence suggests that patients having breast cancer with higher physical activity levels post-diagnosis have less chances of relapse and breast cancer-related mortality when compared to those with lower physical activity levels (Kokts-Porietis et al, 2019).…”

Reply to a letter to the editor referencing “Breast cancer survivors’ perspectives on a home-based physical activity intervention utilizing wearable technology”

“…In the Breast Cancer and Physical Activity Level (BC-PAL) pilot trial, acceptance or wear time of the activity tracker was not directly assessed [2]. However, the participants' perspectives of wearable technology were expressed in the semi-structured interviews, as presented by Kokts-Porietis et al [3]. Similar to Puri et al [4], equipment characteristics such as appearance of the device and ease of use played an important role in the participants' acceptance of the activity trackers.…”

“…Similar to Puri et al [4], equipment characteristics such as appearance of the device and ease of use played an important role in the participants' acceptance of the activity trackers. For instance, the pink activity trackers acted as a reminder of breast cancer for some of the participants, which reduced their interest in wearing the device [3]. Moreover, when participants felt that the results from the activity tracker did not truly reflect their physical activity participation, their acceptance and confidence in the device were also diminished [3].…”

“…For instance, the pink activity trackers acted as a reminder of breast cancer for some of the participants, which reduced their interest in wearing the device [3]. Moreover, when participants felt that the results from the activity tracker did not truly reflect their physical activity participation, their acceptance and confidence in the device were also diminished [3].…”