A Habit-Based Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study
A Habit-Based Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study
Cancer and its treatments are associated with long-term side effects including lowered physical strength and quality of life. Decreasing sedentary behaviour improves health outcomes in cancer survivors. Habit-based programs aimed at lowering sedentary behaviour have been successful in decreasing sedentary behaviour in other populations. However, limited clinical trials aimed at lowering sedentary behaviour have recruited cancer survivors, and none are exclusively based on Habit Theory.
The primary goal of this clinical trial is to test the feasibility of an 8-week, habit-based program to lower sedentary behaviour in cancer survivors. Sedentary behaviour refers to low-energy activities performed during waking hours in a seated, reclined or laid down position. Secondarily, this clinical trial aims to examine changes in sedentary behaviour, physical strength, habit, and quality of life.
Enrolled participants will be assigned to a sedentary behaviour or active control group. The sedentary behaviour group will receive 8 weekly sheets consisting of tips recommending to lower sedentary behaviour. Tips will be individualized to participants' lifestyles, and will consider their cancer-specific and other physical limitations. Participants in the sedentary behaviour group will also meet with the researcher once a week for a check-in session for more individualized tips and progressions. The active control group will receive the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines, and a handout highlighting the benefits of lowering sedentary behaviour. Both groups will be provided with wearable activity monitors (Fitbits).
Cancer and its treatments are associated with late and long-term side effects such as reduced quality of life (QoL) and physical function. Reducing sedentary behaviour (SED), any waking behaviour characterized by a low-energy expenditure performed while seated, reclined or lying down, has been shown to improve health outcomes in cancer survivors. Habit is a cognitive process in which a cue triggers a specific behaviour, learned through repetition of the behaviour every time the cue is encountered. By prompting sedentary breaks through everyday cues, SED may decrease in cancer survivors that may be sustained long-term. Current habit-based sedentary behaviour interventions in other populations are limited as they have only used self-report measures, did not recruit control groups, and/or were not exclusively grounded in Habit Theory. Additionally, remotely-delivered interventions may be an effective option to decrease sedentary behaviour in cancer survivors, while expanding reach and improving accessibility by overcoming barriers to participation in traditional in-person programs. To address the current gaps in the literature, research is needed to assess the feasibility of a remotely-delivered SED program for physical function and quality of life in cancer survivors. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to examine the feasibility (adherence, safety, attrition, and participant satisfaction) of an 8-week, remotely-delivered, habit-based intervention to reduce SED in cancer survivors compared to an active control group (movement guidelines and sedentary behaviour handout). Feasibility indicators are: (1) check-in session adherence rate ≥70%, (2) tip adherence ≥70% (based on goal of following 2-4 tips per day), attrition rate < 30%, and no intervention-related adverse events. Secondary objectives include examining changes in (1) physical function, (2) general health-related and cancer-specific QoL, (3) habit, and (4) objective and device-based sedentary behaviour of cancer survivors. The trial findings may be used to inform larger randomized controlled trials to reduce SED in cancer survivors, and may be a cost-effective and accessible option for cancer survivors to optimize their health.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: