Randomized web-based physical activity intervention in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer.

Abstract

102 Background: This study of adolescent survivors of childhood cancer evaluated the initial efficacy of a web-delivered, interactive, rewards-based physical activity intervention that aimed to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and improve fitness, neurocognitive and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes over 24 weeks. Methods: Survivors (aged ≥ 11 to < 15 years) who were not undergoing active cancer treatment, were physically active < 60 minutes/day and were treated at a single institution were randomized (2:1) to a rewards-based physical activity intervention delivered via the internet or a control group. The intervention group received educational materials, an activity monitor, and access to an interactive website designed to motivate increased physical activity via rewards (e.g. t-shirts, stickers, gift cards) and the control group received only the activity monitor and educational materials. Physical activity, fitness, neurocognitive and HRQoL outcomes were assessed at baseline and 24-weeks. Mean changes in outcomes were compared between groups using paired t-tests. Results: Of 97 survivors enrolled, 78 completed the study (53 in the intervention group, 25 in the control group), the mean age was 12.7 (SD 1.1), 80% were white, and 55.1% were female. The intervention group increased their MVPA over time (mean change in weekly MVPA: 4.7 minutes [SD 119.9]), while the control group steadily decreased their weekly MVPA (-24.3 minutes [SD 89.7]) (p = 0.30). In the intervention group, mean change in hand grip strength (p = 0.01), number of sit-ups (p < 0.01) and push-ups (p < 0.01), neurocognitive measures (e.g. verbal executive function, p < 0.01), and HRQoL outcomes (e.g. overall HRQoL, p = 0.01; physical function, p = 0.01) improved over time; no change was observed in the control group. Conclusions: These preliminary findings indicate that increasing MVPA via an intervention designed to increase motivation to exercise may have positive effects on fitness, neurocognitive and HRQoL outcomes in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT01778127.