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Effects of internet-based digital health interventions on the physical activity and quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Purpose

The recent trend of Internet-based digital health interventions has driven researchers to implement them to promote physical activity (PA) and improve patients’ health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of Internet-based digital health interventions on PA and quality of life (QoL) in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.

Methods

We searched for relevant studies investigating the effects of internet-based digital health interventions published until Dec. 2022 in electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CEPS) according to PRISMA guidelines. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used to examine the quality of the included studies. We performed the fixed and random effects model for meta-analysis.

Results

Among 746 identified studies, eight published between 2018 and 2022 were included. These covered 991 internet-based digital health interventions and 875 controls. After 6 months of internet-based digital health interventions, CRC survivors’ performance in PA (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09—0.38) and QoL (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.01—0.22) indicators improved significantly.

Conclusions

Internet-based digital health improved the PA behaviour and QoL of patients with CRC. Because of differences in intervention outcomes, additional randomized controlled trials are warranted to provide suggestions for clinical practice. Internet-based digital health interventions are promising for promoting PA in CRC survivors.

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Data availability

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Funding

This study was funded by Cheng Gung University of Sciences and Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (grant number: Ministry of Science and Technology 109–2410-H-255–003-MY2).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing and Graduate Institute of Nursing, College of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology (CGUST), No. 2, Sec. W., Jiapu Rd., Puzi City, Chiayi County, 61363, Taiwan

    Ching-Ching Su, Su-Er Guo & Ya-Wen Kuo

  2. Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology (CGUST), No. 2, Sec. W., Jiapu Rd., Puzi City, Chiayi County, 61363, Taiwan

    Su-Er Guo

  3. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 6, West Sec., Jiapu Road, Puzi City, Chiayi County, 61363, Taiwan

    Su-Er Guo

  4. Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, No. 84 Gungjuan Rd., Taishan Dist., New Taipei City, 24301, Taiwan

    Su-Er Guo

  5. Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 6, West Sec., Jiapu Road, Puzi City, Chiayi County, 61363, Taiwan

    Ya-Wen Kuo

  6. Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 6, West Sec., Jiapu Road, Puzi City, Chiayi County, 61363, Taiwan

    Ching-Ching Su

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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. C. S., S. G and Y. K. designed the study, collected data, interpreted data, and wrote the manuscript. Y. K. performed statistical analysis; C. S. and Y. K. interpreted data and critically reviewed the manuscript. S.G. contributed to subsequent manuscript discussion. C. S., S. G., and Y. K. wrote the first draft and final manuscript. All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Su-Er Guo or Ya-Wen Kuo.

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Su, CC., Guo, SE. & Kuo, YW. Effects of internet-based digital health interventions on the physical activity and quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 32, 168 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08369-7

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