Use of active video games with or without videoconferencing on health outcomes in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience greater functional deficits compared to non-cancer peers or older survivors with a similar diagnosis. Physical activity (PA) is a key strategy for mitigating functional decline, and motivation and peer support are critical PA facilitators in AYA cancer survivors. Active video games (AVGs) may be a "gateway" method to promote PA. Further, integrating AVGs into group videoconferencing, a medium used by AYAs to socialize, can capitalize on peer support needed for PA motivation. Thus, we examined the use of AVGs and/or videoconferencing in PA interventions that included AYA survivors and the effect on physical function and health outcomes. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched from incept to January 2020. Search terms included videoconferencing, video games, exercise, and cancer. The protocol is registered on PROSPERO: CRD42020163491. Two reviewers evaluated eligibility and methodological quality using Cochrane's risk of bias tools. Results Six unique studies were included with 97% reviewer agreement. All used AVGs, none used videoconferencing alone, and one used both. Study designs and outcome measures were heterogeneous. Only one study solely targeted AYA survivors. Most were low to medium quality. Few showed significant improvements in quality of life (QOL) and fatigue (n=3), coordination/balance (n=2), and aerobic capacity (n=1). Conclusions PA interventions using AVGs and/or videoconferencing may improve QOL and fatigue, but evidence on function is lacking. Rigorous interventions targeting AYA survivors are needed. Implications for Cancer Survivors Using AVGs and/or videoconferencing to facilitate PA may improve QOL and fatigue.

Digital health and telehealth in cancer care: a scoping review of reviews

“…The remaining 134 reviews met eligibility criteria and were included in the synthesis. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 …”

“…Many reviews indicated that a meta-analysis was not done due to heterogeneity of methods and outcomes. 13 , 15 , 18 , 21 , 23 , 29 , 40 , 45 , 46 , 49 , 60 , 65 , 69 , 74 , 75 , 86 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 97 , 100 , 104 , 110 , 116 , 118 , 131 , 134 …”

Digital and Interactive Health Interventions Minimize the Physical and Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer, Increasing Women’s Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…These tools may use videogames developed for commercial entertainment or games specifically designed for health interventions. The game-playing experience is very absorbing, and virtual reality devices and smartphones enhance adherence to the therapy and reduce some of the negative aspects of the disease and its treatments [ 33 ].…”

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Technology-Based Psychosocial Education and Counseling Program for Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Leukemia

“…39 In another systematic review, in some studies, the physical activity interventions using video games with or without videoconferencing improved the quality of life of AYA survivors. 38 In another systematic review and meta-analysis, improvements in the psychosocial and emotional health of childhood and AYA cancer survivors were observed after the technology-based interventions. 18 In the intervention study conducted with children and adolescent survivors (aged 9-16 years), which was performed by a specialist nurse who has extensive experience in caring for children with cancer, it was determined that adventure-based training (4-day integrated adventure-based training to promote physical activity and reduce fatigue, and adventure-based training activities; the program was implemented in small groups with a maximum of 12 participants per group at a campsite on 4 days over a 12-month period, conducted in China) significantly increased the quality of life in the LTFU, and the intervention group showed better quality of life than the control group at 12 months.…”

“…Conclusive evidence has not been presented in the literature on the impact of technology-based health promotion and psychosocial interventions on CCS. 38 In a systematic review evaluating 4 studies, digital self-management interventions (eg, physical activity) were not effective on the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors. 39 In another systematic review, in some studies, the physical activity interventions using video games with or without videoconferencing improved the quality of life of AYA survivors.…”