JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Nutrition and physical activity interventions are important components of cancer care, and with increasing demand for services there is a need to consider flexible, easily accessible and tailored models of care whilst maintaining optimal outcomes.

Objective:

This systematic review describes and appraises the efficacy of technology supported self-guided nutrition and physical activity interventions for people with cancer.

Methods:

A systematic search of multiple databases through to July 2018 was conducted for randomised and non-randomised trials investigating technology supported self-guided nutrition and physical activity interventions. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Outcomes included behavioural, health-related, clinical, health service or financial measures.

Results:

Sixteen randomised controlled trials representing 2,684 participants were included. Most studies were web-based interventions (n=9) and 12-week follow-up duration (n=8). Seven studies assessed dietary behaviour with two reporting a significant benefit on diet quality or fruit and vegetable intake. Fifteen studies measured physical activity behaviour with eight finding significant improvement in muscle strength and/or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Four of nine studies assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) reported a significant improvement in global HRQoL or a domain subscale. A significant improvement in fatigue was found in four of six studies. Interpretation of findings was influenced by inadequate reporting of intervention description and compliance.

Conclusions:

This review identified short-term benefits of technology supported self-guided interventions for people with cancer on physical activity level and fatigue, and some benefit for dietary behaviour and HRQoL. However, current literature demonstrates a lack of evidence for long-term benefit.