Use of Wearable Activity-Monitoring Technologies to Promote Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors: Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Cancer Care

Melanie R. Keats, Xing Yu, Molly Sweeney Magee, Cynthia C. Forbes, Scott A. Grandy, Ellen Sweeney and Trevor J. B. Dummer ()
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Melanie R. Keats: School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Xing Yu: School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
Molly Sweeney Magee: School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
Cynthia C. Forbes: Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
Scott A. Grandy: School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Ellen Sweeney: Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Trevor J. B. Dummer: School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 6, 1-23

Abstract: The aim of this review was to explore the acceptability, opportunities, and challenges associated with wearable activity-monitoring technology to increase physical activity (PA) behavior in cancer survivors. A search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and SportDiscus was conducted from 1 January 2011 through 3 October 2022. The search was limited to English language, and peer-reviewed original research. Studies were included if they reported the use of an activity monitor in adults (+18 years) with a history of cancer with the intent to motivate PA behavior. Our search identified 1832 published articles, of which 28 met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eighteen of these studies included post-treatment cancer survivors, eight were on active cancer treatment, and two were long-term cancer survivor studies. ActiGraph accelerometers were the primary technology used to monitor PA behaviors, with Fitbit as the most commonly utilized self-monitoring wearable technology. Overall, wearable activity monitors were found to be an acceptable and useful tool in improving self-awareness, motivating behavioral change, and increasing PA levels. Self-monitoring wearable activity devices have a positive impact on short-term PA behaviors in cancer survivors, but the increase in PA gradually attenuated through the maintenance phase. Further study is needed to evaluate and increase the sustainability of the use of wearable technologies to support PA in cancer survivors.

Keywords: physical activity; wearable activity monitors; technology; motivation; behavior change; cancer survivors; scoping review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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