Document Type

Video

Abstract

Purpose: Recent advances in wearable biosensor technology show that continued monitoring of personal biological data is increasingly accessible, laying a foundation for providing biologically based feedback. Biofeedback could be used as a behavioral change strategy to motivate physical activity (PA) engagement by demonstrating the acute impact of PA. This study examined how insufficiently active overweight/obese cancer survivors perceive glucose-based biofeedback as acceptable and helpful for promoting PA. Methods: Sixteen insufficiently active overweight/obese cancer survivors (aged 50-74) were recruited from a local tumor registry and interviewed (between November 2019 to September 2020) across five focus groups. In each focus group, discussion started with PA-related topics (e.g., goals, benefits, barriers). Then, the moderator highlighted the acute impact of PA using a simulated website demonstrating glucose patterns in response to walking and showed a Fitbit device that can track PA and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that can track glucose. Participants discussed their opinions on these two wearable sensors and their feelings and preferences about sample feedback messages based on data from these devices. Multiple coders read and analyzed the transcribed data totaling 314 pages using Braun & Clarke’s (2006) process focusing on identification, analysis, organization, description, and reports. Results: All participants expressed the need to become more physically active, identifying lack of motivation centering on their survivorship experiences and symptom management as the most salient barrier. They indicated familiarity with activity trackers (i.e., Fitbit) and expressed interest in biosensors (i.e., CGMs) as CGMs show biological metrics in real-time. Participants reported that (1) glucose data is a relevant and important health indicator; (2) integrated messages (between Fitbit and CGMs) are useful in demonstrating how their behaviors immediately impact their body; and (3) this information is motivating for them to modify their behaviors. Conclusions: This study supports the use of wearable biosensors and m-health interventions to promote PA in cancer survivors. Glucose-based biofeedback provides relevant and motivating information for cancer survivors regarding their daily activity levels by demonstrating the immediate effects of PA. Integrating biofeedback into PA interventions could be an effective behavioral change strategy to promote a healthy lifestyle in cancer survivors. [Talk presented at the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Meeting ISBNPA Xchange 2021, Virtual Meeting.]

Disciplines

Kinesiology | Life Sciences

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Language

English

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