Motivational InterventionTesting a Brief Motivational Intervention to Increase Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors

Motivational Intervention:

The intervention group will receive a 3-component motivational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in addition to an enhanced standard of care. The components of the intervention include motivational interviewing (MI); mobile health monitoring; and action planning.

At the initial visit, following baseline data collection, the clinician will use MI to build a positive attitude towards physical activity (PA). Next, they will discuss why and how to use Fitbit to monitor steps per day. The last component of the intervention includes action planning to design a PA program that fits their abilities and lifestyle. Following the in-person baseline visit, participants will be called approximately every 2 weeks during the 3-month intervention period. During these calls, the action plan will be reviewed and updated, and their step count reviewed.

Wait List Control:

The control group will receive a Fitbit and advice to continue their normal physical activity. At the end of 3 months, the wait-list control group will be seen in the clinic for the motivational intervention which will be the same as the intervention group. They will return to the clinic at the end of the study (6 months) for final data collection. Participants in the wait list control group will use the Fitbit for the full 6 months of the study, during the 3 month waiting period and the 3 month intervention.

The study includes a 3-component motivational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. The components include motivational interviewing (MI); mobile health monitoring; and action planning.

MI is used to build a positive attitude towards physical activity (PA). Mobile health monitoring will be conducted with a Fitbit to monitor steps per day. The last component of the intervention includes action planning to design a PA program that fits their abilities and lifestyle. The research team will develop a PA grid that includes aerobic, strength, and flexibility PA options. The PA grid provides an opportunity to personalize the action plan by choosing from a 'menu' to match interests. Following the in-person baseline visit, participants will be called approximately every 2 weeks (4-5 phone contacts) during the 3-month intervention period to review and update their action plan.