Feasibility of smartphone application and social media intervention on breast cancer survivors’ health outcomes

Abstract

Breast cancer survivors are at risk for poor health, with physical activity a possible treatment. Little research has examined how technology might promote breast cancer survivor physical activity or health. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of employing a commercially available mobile health application- and social media-based health education intervention to improve breast cancer survivor physical activity or health.Ten breast cancer survivors (X̅ age = 45.80 ± 10.23 years; X̅ weight = 79.51 ± 20.85 kg) participated in this 10-week single-group pilot study from 2015 to 2016. Participants downloaded the MapMyFitness application, documented all physical activity with MapMyFitness, and were enrolled in a Social Cognitive Theory-based, Facebook-delivered health education intervention. Objectively measured physical activity, weight or body composition, cardiovascular fitness, psychosocial constructs, and quality of life indices were measured at baseline and 10 weeks. Intervention use and acceptability was evaluated during and following the intervention. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study outcomes, with qualitative analyses performed regarding use and acceptability. At postintervention, average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and steps increased by 2.6 min and 1,657, respectively, with notable decreases in weight (2.4 kg) and body fat percentage (2.3%). Physical activity-related social support and ability to engage in social roles or activity demonstrated the greatest improvements among all psychosocial and quality of life indices, respectively. Participants enjoyed the feedback and tracking features of MapMyFitness, with most finding the Facebook component helpful. All participants recommended the intervention for future use.Physical activity interventions combining commercially available mobile health applications and theoretically based social media-delivered health interventions may promote certain physiological, psychosocial, and quality of life outcomes among breast cancer survivors. Larger samples and randomized studies are warranted.

Developing Computer–Based Instructional Media for English Speaking Skill at Senior High School

“…Compared to Saputro, Muryani, and Sarwono's (2018) finding which was fair category, the current media was more likely to be better. Different from Pope et al's (2019) feasibility of smartphone application, the present product feasibility was found similir to Dewintha, Mering, and Astuti's (2018). It was reported that their Adobe Flash was appropriate to be used in Dayak traditional music teaching.…”

Effectiveness of Combined Smartwatch and Social Media Intervention on Breast Cancer Survivor Health Outcomes: A 10-Week Pilot Randomized Trial

“…Given the pilot nature of the trial, use/acceptability of the intervention was also assessed. Notably, the current investigation built upon the researchers’ previous smartphone- and social media-based health education intervention study [ 16 ], with three distinct differences. First, the current study used the Polar M400 smartwatch as opposed to a smartphone application because most breast cancer survivors in the previous study stated the need to open their smartphone to track/document physical activity was burdensome and that the “always on” physical activity tracking capabilities of smartwatches would be preferable during future interventions.…”

“…These tips were developed to assist participants’ integration of physical activity into their daily routine by improving participants’ physical activity-related self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, social support, and enjoyment while reducing barriers. These tips have been used with success in a previous intervention among breast cancer survivors [ 16 ]. For example, health education tips written to increase participants’ outcome expectancy, enjoyment, and social support used empirically-based facts to remind participants of the improved mood/quality of life and physiological outcomes which may occur due to increased physical activity participation while also providing some ideas by which to make physical activity more fun and social.…”

“…Smartwatches from companies like Polar, Apple, and Fitbit are most popular within this market due to: (1) attractive price points ($100–250 USD); and (2) the ability to track health metrics like step counts, heart rate, energy expenditure, stairs climbed, and sleep, among other metrics—data which can be sent via Bluetooth to an associated smartphone application for easy interpretation and facilitation of the self-regulation (i.e., tracking and modification) of health behaviors [ 14 , 15 ]. Yet, while some studies [ 16 ] have observed smartphone application-based physical activity interventions to be effective in promoting improved physical activity and quality of life among breast cancer survivors, little to no research has been conducted on the effectiveness of smartwatches in the promotion of this population’s health. This is noteworthy as qualitative research has found breast cancer survivors to be interested and open to the use of smartwatches in the self-regulation of physical activity and sedentary behaviors [ 17 ].…”

Effects of exercise training and follow‐up calls at home on physical activity and quality of life after a mastectomy

“…They determined that both applications had similar results, but the use of mobile phones was more effective in terms of patient satisfaction (Uhm et al, 2017). Pope, Lee, Zeng, Lee, and Gao (2018) found that social media-based physical activity training increased the moderate physical activity level of 1.657 MET-min/week.…”