The feasibility and acceptability of an app-based intervention with brief behavioural support (APPROACH) to promote brisk walking in people diagnosed with breast, prostate and colorectal cancer in the UK.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a theory-driven app-based intervention with behavioral support to promote brisk walking (a form of MVPA) in people living with and beyond cancer.
Results Summary
The trial procedures were found to be acceptable, with high retention (97%) and assessment completion rates (>86%). The intervention was feasible, with 96% app download rates in the intervention group, supporting progression to a phase III trial.
Population
People diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer recruited from a single UK hospital site.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (intervention included the NHS 'Active 10' app, print materials, and two behavioral support calls).
Duration
3 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Increased moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) | increase | clinical and psychosocial outcomes | people living with and beyond cancer (LWBC) | - | can improve | #1 |
theory-driven app-based intervention with behavioural support focused on promoting brisk walking (a form of MVPA) | no change | feasibility and acceptability | people LWBC | - | feasibility and acceptability of trial procedures were explored | #2 |
theory-driven app-based intervention with behavioural support focused on promoting brisk walking (a form of MVPA) | increase | feasibility outcomes | people LWBC | - | suggest that the trial procedures are acceptable and that the intervention is feasible | #3 |
theory-driven app-based intervention with behavioural support focused on promoting brisk walking (a form of MVPA) | increase | feasibility and acceptability | people LWBC | - | demonstrates that a large trial of the brisk walking intervention with behavioural support is both feasible and acceptable | #4 |
INTRODUCTION: Increased moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) can improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer (LWBC). This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of trial procedures in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a theory-driven app-based intervention with behavioural support focused on promoting brisk walking (a form of MVPA) in people LWBC (APPROACH). METHODS: Participants diagnosed with breast, prostate or colorectal cancer were recruited from a single UK hospital site. Assessments at baseline and 3 months included online questionnaires, device-measured brisk walking (activPAL accelerometer) and self-reported weight and height. Participants were randomised to intervention or control (care as usual). The intervention comprised a non-cancer-specific app to promote brisk walking (National Health Service 'Active 10') augmented with print information about habit formation, a walking planner and two behavioural support telephone calls. Feasibility and acceptability of trial procedures were explored. Initial estimates for physical activity informed a power calculation for a phase III RCT. A preliminary health economics analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Of those medically eligible, 369/577 (64%) were willing to answer further eligibility questions and 90/148 (61%) of those eligible were enrolled. Feasibility outcomes, including retention (97%), assessment completion rates (>86%) and app download rates in the intervention group (96%), suggest that the trial procedures are acceptable and that the intervention is feasible. The phase III RCT will require 472 participants to be randomised. As expected, the preliminary health economic analyses indicate a high level of uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that a large trial of the brisk walking intervention with behavioural support is both feasible and acceptable to people LWBC. The results support progression onto a confirmatory phase III trial to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.