This is a two-arm randomized, controlled trial during the postoperative period after major abdominal surgery for cancer, including for example radical cystectomy, nephrectomy, colectomy, comparing a control group that uses a wearable device to track physical activity to an intervention group that uses the same wearable devices and receives a supportive social incentive-based gamification intervention to adhere to a step goal program.
We will conduct a two-arm randomized, controlled trial during the postoperative period after a radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, comparing a control group that uses a wearable device to track physical activity to an intervention group that uses the same wearable devices and receives a supportive social incentive-based gamification intervention to adhere to a step goal program. Patients will be enrolled after being diagnosed with bladder cancer and scheduled to undergo a radical cystectomy. The median length of stay after a radical cystectomy is 8 days, with 90% being discharged within two weeks. Postoperatively, the baseline step count will be averaged by taking the steps taken during the first two days outside of the intensive care unit. There will be two postoperative phases: Phase I will be while the patient is hospitalized postoperatively. Phase II will be when the patient is discharged for three months. 5.2 Study
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
64
At the beginning of each week, starting from postoperative day 3, the participant receives 70 points (10 points for each day that week). If the participant does not meet their daily step goal, they lose 10 points from their balance. This leverages loss aversion, which has been demonstrated to motivate behavior change more effectively with losses than gains. At the end of each week if the participant has at least 40 points, they will move up a level (levels from lowest to highest: blue, bronze, silver, gold, platinum). If not, the participant will drop a level. All participants begin at the silver level. Each week, participants get a fresh set of 70 points. Participants will receive daily feedback for the step counts, and weekly feedback for their levels. Participants in the intervention arm will be asked to identify a family member or friend to be their support sponsor. A weekly report will be sent to this person with the participant's performance (points and level).
Abramson Cancer Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Change in Mean Daily Step Count From the Baseline Step Count During Two Days After the Surgery to the Hospital Discharge
Change in mean daily step count
Time frame: From baseline step count after a two-day run-in period after the surgery to the time of hospital discharge postoperatively. As the time to discharge was variable, this time period was up to 60 days after surgery
Change in Mean Daily Step Count From the Postoperative Baseline to 3 Months After Discharge From the Hospital
Change in mean daily step count
Time frame: From the postoperative baseline step count during 2 day run-in to 3 months after discharge from the hospital. This time was up to 3 months after discharge
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