Efficacy of Mobile Instant Messaging–Delivered Brief Motivational Interviewing for Parents to Promote Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Key Points Question Can brief motivational interviewing delivered via mobile instant messaging promote regular physical activity in children who have survived cancer? Findings In this randomized clinical trial involving 161 children who survived cancer and their caregivers, brief motivational interviewing delivered via instant messaging significantly increased physical activity levels, reduced cancer-related fatigue, and improved handgrip strength and quality of life during a 12-month study period. Moderate to vigorous physical activity levels in intervention participants increased by 72.8%, compared with 6.3% in controls. Meaning The intervention used in this randomized clinical trial was effective in promoting regular physical activity in children who survived cancer; further investigation is warranted to enhance long-term sustainability of the intervention effect.

Promoting Physical Activity Among Childhood Cancer Survivors: The Way Forward

“…Moreover, substantial evidence suggests that regular physical activity of moderate intensity can ameliorate the adverse effects of cancer treatment; for example, it can reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness, and enhance the quality of life 1 . However, most childhood cancer survivors do not participate in adequate physical activity and are hence unable to reap these health benefits 2 . Physical inactivity among childhood cancer survivors is an alarming issue and necessitates urgent attention as it may lead to poor health conditions and premature death.…”

“…In addition, parent-child dyads in both the intervention and control groups received a brief health advice session and were asked to visit a website containing information on physical activity. This study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of brief motivational interviewing delivered to parents via instant messaging applications for promoting the adoption and maintenance of regular physical activity, reducing cancer-related fatigue, and improving muscle strength and quality of life among childhood cancer survivors 2 …”

Improving Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer Survivors—Engaging Parents

“…years, there is a critical gap in effective and scalable physical activity interventions for childhood cancer survivors. 2,3 Cheung and colleagues 4 report on the results of a randomized clinical trial evaluating a brief parent motivational interviewing session with 6 months of ongoing motivational interviewing via instant messaging compared with a brief health educational session to promote physical activity among childhood cancer survivors aged 9 to 16 years. They found significant improvement in physical activity compared with the control group at 6 months and 12 months.…”

“…A brief motivational interviewing intervention may also address concerns specific to parents of pediatric cancer survivors, such as worries about overtaxing their children following cancer treatment or misconceptions about exercise promoting fatigue rather than ameliorating it . Cheung and colleagues highlight that family involvement may be particularly important to Chinese survivors compared with those from Western countries owing to cultural factors; however, a recent systematic review by Brown and colleagues suggests that parent involvement may be critical to address across cultures.…”

“…While there are barriers to implementing physical activity and exercise interventions with families following a cancer diagnosis, targeting the family unit may increase the chance of successful outcomes . Cheung and colleagues overcame some common feasibility challenges by incorporating a brief parent session during a routine clinical visit and using a familiar instant messaging application to continue to connect with parents in their usual environment over time. Instant messaging allows brief conversations to occur in parents’ everyday life settings, offering support at times when needed, while minimizing participant burden.…”