The study shows adherence to the physical activity guidelines of a group of women survivors of breast cancer in Spain.
The The Journal of Medical Internet Research, in its mHealth and uHealth version, published the article: Breast Cancer Survivors’ Perspectives on Motivational and Personalization Strategies in Mobile App–Based Physical Activity Coaching Interventions: Qualitative Study. The study was conducted thanks to the participation of professionals from various institutions such as the Department of Electronic Technology, the University of Sevilla in Spain and The Insight Center for Data Analytics at University College Dublin in Ireland.
Within the content of the study, evidence on the vital benefits of physical activity (PA) for breast cancer survivors is shown as a background, and is that despite the positive benefits involved, most survivors do not reach the recommended levels of exercise and physical activity.
The study mentions that training interventions through mobile applications could represent adherence to PA recommendations. Applications are designed taking into account the specific conditions in which users are located. The main objective of the research is to explain the knowledge of breast cancer survivors about the motivation and customization strategies that will be used in PA training applications and interventions.
The method used for the study was semi-structured individual interviews, involving 14 breast cancer survivors, who answered open questions from the moderator.
The topics identified during the interviews were as follows:
- Barriers to PA
- Psychological mediators of PA motivation
- Needs and suggestions to reinforcing motivation support
- Personalization aspects of the PA coaching experience
- Technology trustworthiness
Although the results showed that only 6 of the 14 patients adhered to PA guidelines, participants were generally open to the possibility of using technology. Participants were willing to have the app validated by professionals, even said willing to share their data in exchange for a personalized experience.
The study concluded that: “This work suggests the need to develop simple, guiding, encouraging, trustworthy, and personalized PA coaching apps.”
You can read the full study here: https://mhealth.jmir.org/2020/9/e18867/
EHEALTH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
