Effect of Wearable Technology-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Breast Cancer Survivors’ Physiological, Cognitive, and Emotional Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review synthesized all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials examining the effects of wearable health technology-based physical activity interventions on physiological, cognitive, and emotional outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS). We searched NCBI, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and Medline from inception to March 2021. We included studies which: (1) were RCTs or controlled trials ≥8 weeks in duration; (2) were peer-reviewed and published in English; (3) sampled BCS in full remission and had not received treatment for at least six months; (4) utilized wearable health technology (e.g., Fitbit, Garmin xGC30); and (5) examined physiological, emotional, and/or cognitive outcomes. Sixty-six studies were identified and 14 were included in the review. Most of the observed effects were statistically significant and those which employed multi-component interventions generally yielded greater effects. Overall, the use of wearable health technology reduced sedentary behavior and increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. Further, increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was observed to be associated with increased perceived cognition and higher cognitive performance. Multiple studies also observed significant improvements in attitude, worry, and anxiety. Overall, findings suggested wearable health technology-based physical activity interventions to be effective for improving physical activity, attitude, and cognitive functions and for reducing sedentary behavior, anxiety, and worry in BCS.

Effect and feasibility of wearable physical activity trackers and pedometers for increasing physical activity and improving health outcomes in cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The use of wearable physical activity trackers is expanding rapidly and has been proposed as a tool to help increase physical activity levels in individuals with cancer. 74 The key findings of our systematic review and meta-analyses were that physical activity interventions that include physical activity trackers and pedometers in addition to other intervention components (e.g., physical activity counselling) increased the weekly duration of moderate-intensity physical activity, MVPA, total physical activity, and daily steps in individuals with cancer. Improvements were also observed in quality of life, fatigue, aerobic fitness, and physical function.…”

Use of Wearable Activity-Monitoring Technologies to Promote Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors: Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Cancer Care

“…Study quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment [ 41 ]. The elements used for the assessment included: (1) sequence generation, (2) allocation concealment, (3) blinding of participants and personnel for all outcomes, (4) blinding of outcome assessors for all outcomes, (5) incomplete outcome data for all outcomes, (6) selective outcome reporting, and (7) other sources of bias [ 38 , 42 , 43 ]. With the maximum risk score of 7, a score of 0–2 indicated low risk, 3–5 indicated moderate risk, and 6–7 indicated high risk.…”

Consumer Wearables for Patient Monitoring in Otolaryngology: A State of the Art Review

“…50 This could be particularly beneficial for patients with HNC, as exercise is a known alleviating factor for cancer-related fatigue, which often lasts for months to years after curative treatment. 51,52 The success of these interventions rests on their ability to incentivize sustained patient engagement with prescribed behaviors, a notoriously difficult feat. 53 Nonetheless, the use of consumer wearables for assessment and promotion of physical activity among otolaryngology patients remains a clear avenue for future research.…”

“…Assessment of baseline preoperative physical activity level could also allow for the development of tailored activity goals in the immediate and extended postoperative setting 50 . This could be particularly beneficial for patients with HNC, as exercise is a known alleviating factor for cancer‐related fatigue, which often lasts for months to years after curative treatment 51,52 . The success of these interventions rests on their ability to incentivize sustained patient engagement with prescribed behaviors, a notoriously difficult feat 53 .…”