At the back end of last year, research was published highlighting the benefits providing the Apple Watch produced in clients of Vitality health insurance.  Users were found to be more active as a result of wearing the device than their peers in the control group.

It’s a finding that is shared by a second study from researchers at the University of Rochester, who find that activity trackers were effective at boosting the activity levels of cancer survivors.  As well as being effective, the devices are also convenient and able of being used unsupervised in the comfort of people’s home, thus helping patients keep a better log of activity than would previously have been possible.

Activity tracking

The findings emerged after monitoring nearly 1,500 cancer survivors from a number of clinical trials over several months.  The typical adherence rate was around 70%, with participants reporting that the devices had a positive impact not only on their general fitness levels, but also on symptoms such as fatigue.

The value of exercise is well known, with time spent doing moderate to vigorous exercise reducing a range of cardiovascular risk factors, whilst also helping to manage weight, boost strength and improve heart and lung function.  This is especially important in cancer survivors because they’re at risk of a range of short and long-term conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

“As technology is increasingly used in the general population in daily life and in healthcare, the number of ways that digital activity tracking devices can be used to encourage and improve physical fitness is countless,” the authors say. “Truly, almost everyone can benefit from engaging in exercise; the benefit of exercise spans all ages and health conditions.”

The team next plan to explore the cost-effectiveness of such interventions, before examining ideal exercise and fitness regimes for cancer survivors to help reduce cancer-related symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

“With increased survival rates in many cancer types due to the improved therapy, the importance of incorporating exercise into patient care is immense, as exercise interventions can have a positive impact on fitness, activity level, quality of life, and overall well-being,” the authors conclude.  “This research confirms that exercise interventions utilizing digital activity trackers are a feasible method by which to increase exercise engagement in the cancer population.”