Stepping into survivorship pilot study: Harnessing mobile health and principles of behavioral economics to increase physical activity in ovarian cancer survivors

Objective. Physical activity improves physical function, quality of life, and mental health, yet fewer than 80% of ovarian cancer survivors meet activity guidelines. This pilot intervention study aimed to increase physical activity in ovarian cancer survivors by leveraging principles of behavioral economics, gamification, and social support. Methods. This 24-week study (12-week intervention; 12-week follow-up) enrolled women with ovarian can-cer after completion of first-line treatment with a self-selected teammate. Participants used Fitbits to measure daily steps, select an increased step goal, and enroll in a collaborative game, including points and levels for achieving step goals. Primary outcomes were feasibility (defined a priori as >-60% approach-to-consent ratio and >-70% adherence to Fitbit), acceptability (<-20% of participants reporting burden or regret for participation) and preliminary efficacy (>-70% reporting increased motivation); exploratory outcomes included change in steps. Results. We recruited 24 participants (mean age = 63 years, range = 37-79 years) with a 94% approach-to-consent ratio. All participants completed the intervention with 94% tracker adherence. At 24-week follow-up, 1/24 (<-5%) of participants reported burden; 0/24 (0%) reported regret for study participation; and 22/24 (>90%) agreed/strongly agreed that the study motivated me to increase activity levels. Participants' mean daily steps were 6210.7 (+/- 3328.1) at baseline and increased to 7643 (+/- 3610.9) steps (p < 0.001) during the 12-week intervention. Conclusions. This pilot study demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy, justifying a larger randomized clinical trial to test efficacy at increasing activity levels. Future studies should examine strat-egies for maintaining increased activity levels in survivors over time. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The pilot intervention study successfully increased physical activity in ovarian cancer survivors by leveraging principles of behavioral economics, gamification, and social support. The results demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy, supporting the need for a larger randomized clinical trial to test efficacy at increasing activity levels. Future studies should focus on strategies for maintaining increased activity levels in survivors over time.