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Ester M, McDonough MH, Bansal M, Dreger J, Daun JT, McNeely ML, Luu T, Culos-Reed SN. Perspectives on Ease of Use and Value of a Self-Monitoring Application to Support Physical Activity Maintenance among Individuals Living with and beyond Cancer. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:1572-1587. [PMID: 38534953 PMCID: PMC10969407 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31030120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) can improve the physical and psychosocial health of individuals with cancer, yet PA levels remain low. Technology may address PA maintenance barriers in oncology, though the intervention effectiveness to date remains mixed. Qualitative research can reveal the nuances of using technology-based PA maintenance tools. The present study aimed to understand the perspectives of individuals with cancer on using an app to support PA maintenance. METHODS Individuals were interviewed after using a self-monitoring app for 24 weeks, asking about their app use, ease of use, and perceived value for supporting PA. Analyses were guided by an interpretive description. RESULTS Eighteen individuals were interviewed. The participants were 37-75 years old; lived in seven Canadian provinces/territories; identified as White, South Asian, or Indigenous; and had eight different cancers. Four themes were developed: some did not need the app to stay physically active, some valued the app for helping them maintain their PA, the user experience ranged from intuitive to confusing, and the time burden of app use ranged from acceptable to overwhelming. CONCLUSIONS The participants provided insights on using a self-monitoring app to improve PA maintenance in oncology. Work is needed to capture additional perspectives and apply findings to the development of technology-based PA maintenance tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ester
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.H.M.); (M.B.); (J.T.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Meghan H. McDonough
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.H.M.); (M.B.); (J.T.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Mannat Bansal
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.H.M.); (M.B.); (J.T.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Julianna Dreger
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.H.M.); (M.B.); (J.T.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Julia T. Daun
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.H.M.); (M.B.); (J.T.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Margaret L. McNeely
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Thompson Luu
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.H.M.); (M.B.); (J.T.D.); (T.L.)
| | - S. Nicole Culos-Reed
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (M.H.M.); (M.B.); (J.T.D.); (T.L.)
- Department of Oncology, Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cancer Care, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada
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Dolan C, McDermott A. The impact of Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland on symptom severity in mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. Br J Occup Ther 2023; 86:20-25. [PMID: 38603229 PMCID: PMC9557271 DOI: 10.1177/03080226221120477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID pandemic and public health restrictions significantly impacted those living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease due to the curtailment of therapies. Patients attending a single centre movement disorders clinic reported reduced physical activity and quality of life during the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the impact of pandemic restrictions on Parkinson's Disease symptom severity in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's Disease. Method A cross-sectional study design with a convenience sample of 20 people living with mild to moderate Parkinson's Disease was adopted. A telephone survey questionnaire was completed to measure changes in symptom severity on the 14 most common Parkinson's Disease symptoms. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Nineteen participants completed the survey. Participants frequently reported a decline in nine symptoms of Parkinson's Disease; bradykinesia, rigidity, walking, sleep, mood, memory, quality of life and fatigue. Nil changes in freezing were reported. No change was reported in the nonmotor symptoms of constipation, speech and pain in 75, 65 and 95% of participants, respectively. Conclusion Findings of this study acknowledge the negative impact of restrictions on the motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Flexibility to access and delivery of service should be considered to mitigate any future potential restrictions.
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Vd Wiel HJ, Stuiver MM, May AM, van Grinsven S, Benink MFA, Aaronson NK, Oldenburg HSA, van der Poel HG, van Harten WH, Groen WG. Characteristics of Participants and Nonparticipants in a Blended Internet-Based Physical Activity Trial for Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Cancer 2021; 7:e25464. [PMID: 34609311 PMCID: PMC8527379 DOI: 10.2196/25464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the number of cancer survivors is increasing, it is important to be able to offer exercise and physical activity (PA)–promoting interventions that are both effective and reasonably accessible. Internet-based interventions are typically less expensive and more accessible alternatives to on-site supervised interventions. Currently, little is known about the characteristics of nonparticipants in PA promotion trials in the cancer survivorship setting, both in general and specifically in trials using internet-supported interventions. Objective This study aims to gain insight into the characteristics associated with nonparticipation in a blended internet-based supported intervention trial to promote PA. Methods Breast and prostate cancer survivors, 3-36 months after primary curative treatment, were invited to participate in the PABLO trial; this trial compared an internet-based intervention to enhance PA levels, with or without additional support from a physical therapist, to usual care. Participants and nonparticipants were asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire assessing sociodemographics, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. Baseline data for participants and nonparticipants were compared using the independent Student t test and chi-square test. Results The inclusion rate in the trial was 11.03% (137/1242). Of the nonparticipants, 13.95% (154/1104) completed the questionnaire. Participants were more highly educated (P=.04), had a paid job less often (P=.03), and were on sick leave more often (P=.03). They reported less PA per week, both moderate (P=.03) and vigorous (P<.01), before diagnosis and during leisure time (P<.01, effect size [ES]=0.44). They reported a significantly lower stage of change (P≤.01), lower self-efficacy (P<.01, ES=0.61), perceived barriers to PA (P<.01, ES=0.54), and more general fatigue (P<.01, ES=0.60). Participants reported lower health-related quality of life for most domains (ES ranging from 0.34 for mental health to 0.48 for social functioning). No significant differences were found for other sociodemographics, mood state, or attitudes toward or perceived social support for PA. Conclusions The participants who self-selected for trial participation reported lower PA levels before diagnosis and a stronger need for support compared with nonparticipants. The trial thus included those patients who might benefit the most from internet-based supportive PA interventions. Trial Registration Netherlands trial register NTR6911; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6733
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester J Vd Wiel
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martijn M Stuiver
- Center for Quality of Life, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Center of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anne M May
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Marlou F A Benink
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Neil K Aaronson
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hester S A Oldenburg
- Division of Surgical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henk G van der Poel
- Department of Urology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wim H van Harten
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Rijnstate Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Health Technology and Services research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Wim G Groen
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Evans HE, Forbes CC, Galvão DA, Vandelanotte C, Newton RU, Wittert G, Chambers S, Vincent AD, Kichenadasse G, Girard D, Brook N, Short CE. Usability, Acceptability, and Safety Analysis of a Computer-Tailored Web-Based Exercise Intervention (ExerciseGuide) for Individuals With Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Multi-Methods Laboratory-Based Study. JMIR Cancer 2021; 7:e28370. [PMID: 34318759 PMCID: PMC8367181 DOI: 10.2196/28370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health interventions such as tailored websites are emerging as valuable tools to provide individualized exercise and behavioral change information for individuals diagnosed with cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate and iteratively refine the acceptability and usability of a web-based exercise intervention (ExerciseGuide) for men with metastatic prostate cancer and determine how well individuals can replicate the video-based exercise prescription. METHODS A laboratory-based multi-methods design was used, incorporating questionnaires, think-aloud tests, interviews, and movement screening among 11 men aged 63 to 82 years with metastatic prostate cancer. Overall, 9 participants were undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, and 2 were completing chemotherapy. Data were collected in two waves, with changes made for quality improvement after participant 5. RESULTS The intervention's usability score was deemed moderate overall but improved after modifications (from 60, SD 2.9 to 69.6, SD 2.2 out of 100). Overall, the participants found the intervention acceptable, with scores improving from wave 1 (24.2, SD 1.1 out of 30) to wave 2 (26.3, SD 2.1 out of 30). The personalized multimodal exercise prescription and computer-tailored education were seen as valuable. After wave 1, website navigation videos were added, medical terminology was simplified, and a telehealth component was included after expert real-time telehealth support was requested. Wave 2 changes included the added variety for aerobic exercise modes, reduced computer-tailoring question loads, and improved consistency of style and grammar. Finally, the participants could replicate the resistance exercise videos to a satisfactory level as judged by the movement screen; however, additional technique cueing within the videos is recommended to address safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS The acceptability and usability of ExerciseGuide were deemed satisfactory. Various problems were identified and resolved. Notably, the participants requested the inclusion of personalized expert support through telehealth. The resistance training algorithms were shown to provide appropriate content safely, and the users could replicate the exercise technique unaided to a satisfactory level. This study has optimized the ExerciseGuide intervention for further investigation in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12618001978257; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12618001978257.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly El Evans
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Cynthia C Forbes
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Institute of Clinical and Applied Health Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel A Galvão
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Corneel Vandelanotte
- Physical Activity Research Group, Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Robert U Newton
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia.,School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gary Wittert
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Suzanne Chambers
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew D Vincent
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ganessan Kichenadasse
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Danielle Girard
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nicholas Brook
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Camille E Short
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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