Short-term efficacy of a computer-tailored physical activity intervention for prostate and colorectal cancer patients and survivors: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is beneficial in improving negative physical and psychological effects of cancer and cancer treatment, but adherence to PA guidelines is low. Computer-tailored PA interventions can reach large populations with little resources. They match with patients' preference for home-based, unsupervised PA programs and are thus promising for the growing population of cancer survivors. The current study assessed the efficacy of a computer-tailored PA intervention in (four subgroups of) prostate and colorectal cancer survivors.MethodsProstate and colorectal cancer patients and survivors were randomized to the OncoActive intervention group (N=249), or a usual-care waiting-list control group (N=229). OncoActive participants received a pedometer and computer-tailored PA advice, both Web-based via an interactive website and with printed materials. Minutes moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and days 30min PA were assessed with an accelerometer (ActiGraph) at baseline and 6months. Further, questionnaires were used to assess self-reported PA, fatigue, distress, and quality of life at baseline, 3 and 6months. Differences between both groups were assessed using linear regression analyses (complete cases and intention-to-treat). In addition, efficacy in relation to age, gender, education, type of cancer, and time since treatment was examined.ResultsThree months after baseline OncoActive participants significantly increased their self-reported PA (PA days: d=0.46; MVPA: d=0.23). Physical functioning (d=0.23) and fatigue (d=-0.21) also improved significantly after three months. Six months after baseline, self-reported PA (PA days: d=0.51; MVPA: d=0.37) and ActiGraph MVPA (d=0.27) increased significantly, and ActiGraph days (d=0.16) increased borderline significantly (p=.05; d=0.16). Furthermore, OncoActive participants reported significantly improvements in physical functioning (d=0.14), fatigue (d=-0.23) and depression (d=-0.32). Similar results were found for intention-to-treat analyses. Higher increases in PA were found for colorectal cancer participants at 3months, and for medium and highly educated participants' PA at 6months. Health outcomes at 6months were more prominent in colorectal cancer participants and in women.ConclusionsThe OncoActive intervention was effective at increasing PA in prostate and colorectal cancer patients and survivors. Health-related effects were especially apparent in colorectal cancer participants. The intervention provides opportunities to accelerate cancer recovery. Long-term follow-up should examine further sustainability of these effects.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR4296) on October 17 2018.