Abstract
BackgroundCancer and cancer treatment coincide with substantial negative physical, psychological and psychosocial problems. Physical activity (PA) can positively affect the negative effects of cancer and cancer treatment and thereby increase quality of life in CPS. Nevertheless, only a minority of CPS meet PA guidelines. We developed the OncoActive (OncoActief in Dutch) intervention: a computer-tailored PA program to stimulate PA in prostate and colorectal CPS, because to our knowledge there are only a few PA interventions for these specific cancer types in the NetherlandsMethodsThe OncoActive intervention was developed through systematic adaptation of a proven effective, evidence-based, computer-tailored PA intervention for adults over fifty, called Active Plus. The Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol was used to guide the systematic adaptation. A literature study and interviews with prostate and colorectal CPS and health care professionals revealed that both general and cancer-specific PA determinants are important and should be addressed. Change objectives, theoretical methods and applications and the actual program content were adapted to address the specific needs, beliefs and cancer-related issues of prostate and colorectal CPS. Intervention participants received tailored PA advice three times, on internet and with printed materials, and a pedometer to set goals to improve PA. Pre- and pilot tests showed that the intervention was highly appreciated (target group) and regarded safe and feasible (healthcare professionals). The effectiveness of the intervention is being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n = 428), consisting of an intervention group and a usual care waiting-list control group, with follow-up measurements at three, six and twelve months. Participants are recruited from seventeen hospitals and with posters, flyers and calls in several media.DiscussionUsing the Intervention Mapping protocol resulted in a systematically adapted, theory and evidence-based intervention providing tailored PA advice to prostate and colorectal CPS. If the intervention turns out to be effective in increasing PA, as evaluated in a RCT, possibilities for nationwide implementation and extension to other cancer types will be explored.Trial registrationThe study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR4296) on November 23rd 2013 and can be accessed at http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4296.
Highlights
Cancer and cancer treatment coincide with substantial negative physical, psychological and psychosocial problems
Theoretical methods and applications in the OncoActive intervention To optimize participation of cancer patients and survivors (CPS) in a Physical activity (PA) program, it is important that an intervention is tailored to the patients’ interests, abilities, opportunities, and preferences [21, 35, 62]
The original Active Plus intervention influenced PA behavior directly and path analyses showed that the intervention influenced several determinants of PA, we looked for additional methods to enhance monitoring and goal setting to address the intention-behavior gap
Summary
Cancer and cancer treatment coincide with substantial negative physical, psychological and psychosocial problems. The growing population of CPS will pose increasing demands on healthcare, as cancer and cancer treatment coincide with substantial negative physical, psychological and psychosocial problems [3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. These problems can persist for years or even develop years after treatment.
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