A Randomized Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention in Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer
A Randomized Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention in Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Five year survival following a diagnosis of childhood cancer has reached 83%, making long term health outcomes among survivors an important concern. The growing population of survivors is at an increased risk of physical inactivity and associated adverse health outcomes. Regular physical activity is associated with better cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. Despite the known benefits of physical activity, nearly half of all childhood cancer survivors do not meet recommended guidelines for physical activity.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) want to determine if a rewards-based physical activity intervention delivered via an interactive website among young adolescent childhood cancer survivors, aged 11 through 14 years, will increase physical activity levels and improve cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. The investigators also want to learn if this rewards-based intervention is effective. To achieve this goal the investigators have designed a three-arm prospective, randomized study with two reward-based intervention groups and a control group.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:
Participants will be randomized to one of three groups. Participants in the control group will receive an activity monitor and educational materials, but will not have access to the interactive website. Participants randomized to the two intervention groups will be given access to a rewards program delivered via an interactive website, an activity monitor, and educational materials. Individual physical activity data can be viewed by study participants after uploading information from their monitors to the interactive website. One intervention group will receive minimal rewards, while the other group will receive immediate incentives as well as the minimal rewards as they move from one level to the other on the website.
After 24 weeks, changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and physical function will be compared between the two intervention groups and the control group.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: