Tracking Physical Activity Throughout Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Tracking Physical Activity Throughout Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Physical activity during chemotherapy has been shown to increase patient health and wellbeing as well as improve outcomes in breast cancer patients. The primary aim of this project is to determine the feasibility of incorporating wearable sensors into clinical care by having breast cancer patients, undergoing chemotherapy, wear a commercially available monitor (Fitbit) that tracks physical activity, sleep, and heart rate monitor.

Although there are many benefits of engaging in physical activity during cancer treatments, activity levels typically decline throughout treatment. Existing research has primarily relied on self-reported activity levels and only captured periodic snap shots or retrospective reports of activity levels, which are subject to recall bias. Exactly how activity levels change throughout chemotherapy is not known. This study will provide minute-by-minute level objective physical activity data across the entirety of the patient's chemotherapy treatments. This in depth data will provide a new perspective on the patterns of activity levels and help to identify if there are critical times in which to intervene to prevent declines in physical activity.

The investigators will assess the feasibility of the pre-treatment recruitment by documenting recruitment rates and participant acceptance of wearing the accelerometer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female
• Diagnosed with breast cancer
• Scheduled to receive chemotherapy, but has not yet started chemotherapy
• Receiving chemotherapy at a University of California, San Diego clinic
• Willingness to wear the Fitbit throughout the course of chemotherapy
• Access to a computer or Bluetooth enabled phone to sync Fitbit data
• Able to read and communicate in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious physical limitation that greatly limits mobility