Move For Your Health for Older Cancer Survivors

Improving Physical Functioning in Older Cancer Survivors Through Light-Intensity Physical Activity

The Move for Your Health (MY Health) Pilot Study is a 12-week study for older cancer survivors to promote light physical activity. The home-based study (no travel required) will test whether a Fitbit activity tracker and health coaching can help cancer survivors be more active throughout the day.

The objective is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based lifestyle activity intervention to promote light-intensity activity using a whole-of-day approach. Sixty-four older cancer survivors will be randomized to either a 12-week theory-based intervention or a waitlist control. The intervention uses a Fitbit activity tracker that pairs with a smartphone app to promote awareness and enable self-monitoring of both activity and inactivity. Motivational counseling will be used to individually tailor strategies to achieve goals. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention (week 13), and 3-months post-intervention (week 26).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed in New Mexico (NM) with a loco-regionally staged cancer, completed primary treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy), and not currently being treated for a recurrence. Patients with metastatic cancer are eligible with physician approval.
• Mild-to-moderate physical functional impairment (raw score between 20 and 34 on the 8-item PROMIS Physical Function survey)
• Able to speak, read, & understand English or Spanish
• Participating in less than 120 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity
• Living independently and capable of walking 3 blocks (approximately 1300 steps or 0.25 mile) without an assistive device (e.g., cane, walker) and without stopping to rest
• Own a smartphone or tablet *OR* be willing to use a study-provided smartphone capable of running the Fitbit app. Also, access to the internet or a Wi-Fi hotspot at least once per week is required. Smartphones and data plans will be provided to those individuals who are eligible but do not currently own a device capable of running the Fitbit app.
• Availability of a family member or friend to be present (for safety) during the remote assessment of physical performance tests
• Willingness to be randomized to either study arm and to wear activity trackers

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults not able to consent
• Severe impairments (in seeing or hearing) or pre-existing medical limitations for engaging in daily light physical activity (e.g., severe orthopedic conditions, pending hip/knee replacement, dementia, oxygen dependent, chronic vertigo)
• Paid employment or volunteer position for greater than 20 hours per week (to avoid potential confounding by occupation activity/inactivity)
• Currently participating in a program (personal program, e.g., wearing an activity monitor, or structured program, e.g., another study) to decrease sedentary time or increase physical activity
• Planning to move out of New Mexico within the next year