Assessing the Suitability of a Virtual 'Pink Warrior' for Older Breast Cancer Survivors during COVID-19: A Pilot Study

• Authors: Jinbing Bai, Emory University; Maria C Swartz, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Michael C Robertson, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston; Ursela Christopherson, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston; Stephanie J Wells, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Zakkoyya H Lewis, California State Polytechnic University; Michael D Swartz, The University of Texas Health; Colleen H Silva, The University of Texas Medical Branch; Eloisa Martinez, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston; Elizabeth J Lyons, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
• Journal Title: LIFE-BASEL
• Volume: Volume 13, Number 2
• Publisher: MDPI | 2023-02-01
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3390/life13020574
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Nutrition; Health Sciences, Nursing; Biology, Biostatistics
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Biology; Microbiology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine - Other Topics; physical activity; exergaming; breast neoplasms; physical function; telehealth; SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY; PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY INTERVENTION; BEHAVIOR-CHANGE TECHNIQUES; PERFORMANCE-MEASURES; EXERCISE; ADULTS; BARRIERS; FITNESS; VALUES; GO

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the conduct of in-person physical activity (PA) interventions among older survivors of BC, who need such interventions to stay active and prevent functional decline. We tested the feasibility of virtually delivering an exergame-based PA intervention to older BC survivors. We enrolled 20 female BC survivors ≥55 years and randomly assigned them to two groups. The intervention group (Pink Warrior 2) received 12 weekly virtual exergame sessions with behavioral coaching, survivorship navigation support, and a Fitbit for self-monitoring. The control group received 12 weekly phone-based survivorship discussion sessions and wore a Mi Band 3. Feasibility was evaluated by rates of recruitment (≥0.92 participants/center/month), retention (≥80%), and group attendance (≥10 sessions), percentage of completed virtual assessments, and number of technology-related issues and adverse events. Intervention acceptability was measured by participants’ ratings on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The recruitment rate was 1.93. The retention and attendance rates were 90% and 88% (≥10 sessions), respectively. Ninety-six percent completed virtual assessments without an adverse event. Acceptability was high (≥4). The intervention met benchmarks for feasibility. Additional research is needed to further understand the impact of virtually delivered PA interventions on older BC survivors.