Efficacy of health coaching and a web‐based program on physical activity, weight, and distress management among cancer survivors: A multi‐centered randomised controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy of health coaching and a web‐based program on survivor physical activity (PA), weight, and distress management among stomach, colon, lung and breast cancer patients.MethodsThis randomised, controlled, 1‐year trial conducted in five hospitals recruited cancer survivors within 2 months of completing primary cancer treatment who had not met ≥1 of these behavioural goals: (i) conducting moderate PA for at least 150 minutes/week or strenuous exercise for over 75 minutes per week or, in the case of lung cancer patients, low or moderate intensity exercise for over 12.5 MET per week, (ii) maintaining normal weight, and (iii) attaining a score >72 in the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the control group, a web‐only group, or a health coaching + web group. The primary endpoint was based on a composite of PA, weight, and PTGI score at 12 months.ResultsPatients in the health coaching + web group (difference = 6.6%, P = .010) and the web‐only group (difference = 5.9%, P = .031) had greater overall improvements across the three‐outcome composite than the control group. The health coaching + web group had greater overall improvement in PTGI (difference = 12.6%; P < .001) than the control group, but not in PA and weight.ConclusionThe web‐based program, with or without health coaching, may improve health behaviours including PA, weight, and distress management among cancer survivors within 2 months of completing primary cancer treatment. The web‐based program with health coaching was mainly effective for reducing psychological distress.

Acceptability and Usefulness of a Dyadic, Tailored, Web-Based, Psychosocial and Physical Activity Self-Management Program (TEMPO): A Qualitative Study

“…TEMPO dyads seemed to coach one another as they worked towards attaining their PA objectives. This is in line with previous studies finding that health coaching can enhance the effects of self-directed intervention [ 61 , 62 ]. As part of a 12-week PA intervention for breast and colorectal cancer survivors, Cadmus-Bertram et al [ 63 ] encouraged survivors and their self-selected support partners to meet their PA goals, and highlighted the strategies most often used to accomplish this, including exercising together and phone communication.…”

Effects of Cognitive Training and Social Support on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The subjects in 2 studies included survivors of breast and colorectal cancer 37 , 38 ; the subjects in Espie 40 included survivors of breast, prostate, gynecological and colorectal cancer; the subjects in Yun et al 41 included survivors of breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer and stomach cancer; and the subjects in Chen et al 43 included gastrointestinal cancer patients. However, only data pertaining to colorectal cancer patients or survivors were used.…”

The positive effect of social support on psychological distress among Chinese lung cancer patients: The mediating role of self‐esteem

“…One study focusing on breast cancer patients also suggested that a higher level of social support was associated with higher benefit when a critical threshold of social support was reached (Mallinckrodt et al., 2012). Therefore, intervention programmes involving professional and non‐professional social supports such as health coaching and a web‐based programme (Yun et al., 2020) should be adapted for lung cancer patients for the purpose of relieving the unfavourable consequences resulted from psychological distress and then improve the quality of life.…”