Evaluating Whether Charity Incentives Motive Cancer Survivors to Increase Physical Activity

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Physical Activity; Incentives; Cancer

Treatments: Behavioral: Control; Behavioral: Experimental

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03322059

RSCA111

Details and patient eligibility

About

The investigators propose to examine whether linking daily activity with charity-based incentives motivates cancer survivors to initiate and maintain physical activity. Linking daily physical activity goals with a cancer specific charity incentive may provide a uniquely salient motivator that promotes increased physical activity among cancer survivors. The investigators will examine whether using activity monitors in combination with charitable incentives leads to greater increases in physical activity compared to activity monitors alone. Target participants includes cancer survivors who are not already active. Physical activity (e.g., steps per day, time in moderate-intensity activity) will be examined at baseline and following a 12-week intervention period using an activPAL accelerometer. After the baseline assessment, both groups will receive a fitbit monitor and informational material designed to increase physical activity. Participants in the fitbit+charity group will have donations made in their name to a cancer charity if they meet daily step goals. Physical activity levels will be monitored using the fitbit device for 6-weeks following the formal intervention period.

Full description

The study is a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of a 12-week physical activity intervention. Fifty cancer survivors will be recruited and allocated to one of two research arms: Fitbit+Only Group or Fitbit+Charity Incentives Group. Participants in both intervention arms will be asked to track their physical activities using Fitbit One, an activity monitor that monitors steps and physical activity and will receive basic educational materials about increasing physical activity. Those in the Fitbit+charity incentives Group will raise money for cancer charities if they meet weekly step targets.

The key outcome variable of the RCT is steps as measured by an activPAL accelerometer. Data will be collected at baseline and 12-weeks. Fitbit data will also be collected for the duration of the 12-week intervention and for 6-weeks following the end of the intervention period to have an initial examination of behavior change maintenance (total 18-weeks).

Enrollment: 51 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Adults ≥ 18 years and <50 y, with diagnosed Adolescent or Young Adult cancer (diagnosed between 15-39y of age);
2. ≥ 6 months post-cancer treatment
3. English speaking
4. Participate in <60 minutes of MVPA/week
5. Own a smartphone
6. Have access to computer
7. Participants must also pass a physical activity readiness questionnaire or receive medical clearance from their primary care physician or oncologist.

Exclusion criteria

1. Joint, cardiovascular, or respiratory problem(s) precluding physical activity
2. Metastatic disease
3. Planned elective surgery or pregnancy during intervention/follow-up that would interfere with participation (e.g., breast reconstructive surgery).
4. Already using a wearable device >5 days per week

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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51 participants in 2 patient groups

Control

Active Comparator group

Description:

The core intervention will include educational materials, access to a basic smartphone app and a Fitbit. Participants will receive a weekly email with a step goal that will increase 10% beyond the previous weeks values.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Control

Intervention

Experimental group

Description:

The core intervention will include educational materials, access to a basic smartphone app and a Fitbit. Participants will receive a weekly email with a step goal that will increase 10% beyond the previous weeks values. Participants will be in the form of a charitable donation in their name to a cancer charity.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Experimental