Feasibility of increasing physical activity levels of hospitalized cancer survivors using goal setting and feedback (CanFit): a randomized controlled trial

Objectives This trial aimed to provide estimates of effect and feasibility of a physical activity intervention for hospitalized cancer survivors using smartwatches for goal-setting and feedback. Design A feasibility, single-blinded, randomized trial. Setting Acute cancer unit in a tertiary hospital. Participants Adult hospitalized cancer survivors undergoing cancer treatment (n = 24). Interventions Participants were randomized to usual care or 2 sessions of a behavioural intervention using goal setting and feedback. Main outcome measures Blinded assessments occurred at admission (T0), discharge (T1) and 4-weeks post-discharge (T2). The primary outcome was accelerometer-measured daily step count and sedentary time. Secondary measures evaluated feasibility (demand, implementation, acceptability, practicality), mobility, self-efficacy, and health service outcomes. Results The trial was hampered by low recruitment rate (n = 24, 29% of target). There were moderate estimates of effect favouring the experimental group for mobility at T1 (mean difference [MD] 11 points, 95% CI -1 to 22). No other effects favored the experimental group. Estimates of step counts (T1 MD -284, 95% CI -1491 to +943; T2 -2249, 95% CI -6062 to +1565) and sedentary time (T1 MD +0.9 hours, 95% CI +0.1 to +2; T2 +2.8 hours, 95% CI -0.3 to +5.2) favored the usual care group. There was no difference in health service outcomes. The intervention was well accepted and no adverse events occurred. Conclusion A physical activity intervention for cancer survivors admitted to hospital was safe and acceptable but slow recruitment and uncertainty surrounding its efficacy hampered trial feasibility. Future trials should consider whole-of-ward interventions using novel trial designs.