Feasibility of Fitbit Use in Adolescent Survivors of Pediatric Cancer: Who Consistently Uses It and for How Long?
J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol
; 12(4): 529-536, 2023 08.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36178482
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
Wearable activity trackers with real-time feedback and goal-setting features are being incorporated into programs to increase physical activity among childhood cancer survivors. This analysis describes the adoption and use of a Fitbit® Flex™ among adolescent-aged survivors of childhood cancer without incentives, reminders, or interventions to encourage use. Procedures Cancer survivors aged 13-18 and ≥2 years from therapy received a Fitbit Flex with instructions to wear it daily. Researchers downloaded participants' daily total steps and active minutes for 1 year. Participants were classified as consistent (≥5 days/week for >4 weeks during the first 12 weeks) or inconsistent users, and comparisons between user types were made. Longitudinal use of the Fitbit and participants' 1-year acceptability evaluations are described.Results:
Overall, 67.1% (47/70) of survivors enrolled, and Fitbit data were available for 36 participants. Initially, 30.6% (11/36) were consistent users. Consistent users had lower body mass index z-scores at enrollment (0.4 ± 0.7 vs. 1.2 ± 0.9; p = 0.01), but were otherwise comparable with inconsistent users. Over time survivors' use declined; at 12 months, only one participant was using his or her Fitbit. Survivors who completed a survey (n = 22) reported their Fitbit helped them self-monitor their exercise (72.7%, 16/22) and lead a more active lifestyle (63.6%, 14/22), but found it challenging to charge and not lose, forget about, or break the device.Conclusions:
In the real-world setting, only a small subset of adolescent-aged survivors will initially consistently use a Fitbit and their interest diminishes over time. To maximize engagement, interventions incorporating wearable activity trackers likely need to include additional behavior change strategies.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Monitores de Aptidão Física
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Neoplasias
Limite:
Adolescent
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Child
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos